KROEKER REQUESTS SUPPORT FOR PARKS; LAPD URGED TO GET BEHIND NEW CHIEF.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

Fighting back emotion, LAPD Deputy Chief Mark Kroeker dealt with his disappointment Wednesday at being passed over for chief in favor of Bernard Parks.

Though speculation is high that he will retire, Kroeker said he plans to remain on the force and urged rank-and-file officers to join him in supporting Parks and helping to make the department better, to build ``the new LAPD.''

``I am bitterly disappointed, but I'm not bitter,'' said Kroeker, a 32-year veteran.

At a news conference at the department's Hollywood Division with officers present, he said: ``There is no time for misery. I love you people. I would take a bullet for any of you. I was asked if you love these people too much. I said if that's the case, I plead guilty and am willing to take the penalty.''

In choosing Parks, Mayor Richard Riordan said Kroeker was a close second, citing Kroeker's high standing among LAPD officers as an important asset but rating Parks' reputation as a tougher disciplinarian as decisive.

Parks talked to Kroeker by phone Wednesday and said he told him he expects him to play a significant role in the department. But the chief-designate said Kroeker is going to take some time off and that his role has been left undefined for now.

``We will be doing a reorganization of this department,'' Parks said. ``Mark Kroeker will be a very visible part of the Los Angeles Police Department as long as he chooses to be here.''

Kroeker, who was the choice of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, urged the department to close ranks behind Parks.

``Unfortunately, different camps developed during this process, and there is no place in the Los Angeles Police Department for that type of divisiveness,'' he said.

Kroeker - who, like Parks, is 53 years old with 32 years in the LAPD - said he was disappointed to have heard about Parks' appointment from a television news account before Riordan called him Tuesday evening.

``If you have supported me, now I need you to support Chief Parks,'' Kroeker said. ``I need you to get behind him. I need you to have a sense of cohesion.

``What this department needs now is leadership. There has been too much criticism of this department, and we need to move forward. It is time for all 12,000 of us in the LAPD to get behind the new chief. He needs us to salute the flag in his honor.''

Kroeker, who has served as commander of the Valley and South bureaus, remains a popular figure among City Council members, many of whom said they would have supported him with the same enthusiasm they are now giving Parks.

``He is equally qualified and would have made a good chief,'' council President John Ferraro said. ``Both men will help improve the LAPD and end the drift we've had for the past five years.''

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