[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E239-E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO GERALD ``JERRY'' PROPHET

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one of Michigan's 
most distinguished and devoted police officers. Sgt. Gerald ``Jerry'' 
Prophet is retiring from the Michigan State Police on February 29, 
1996, after 24 years of commitment to preserve the safety of the 
citizens of Michigan. He is being honored for his exceptional service 
on March 2, 1996, at the Candlelight Banquet Center in Bridgeport, MI.
  Sergeant Prophet was born in Heflin, AL, on July 31, 1947. His family 
moved to Michigan when he was a young boy and he graduated from 
Ferndale High School in 1965. Jerry joined the Michigan State Police in 
1972 and rose to the rank of sergeant. He always places protecting the 
citizens of Michigan over himself which is a tribute to his honorable 
service. His dedication to the needs of the people of Michigan and his 
fellow officers earned him the thanks and respect he so much deserves.
  An example of his dedication and one of the most notable aspects of 
his career was when he received a life saving award from the Michigan 
State Police. Jerry responded to an urgent call and rushed to the home 
of a Michigan citizen who stopped breathing. He performed CPR and 
ultimately saved her life.
  Despite his demanding schedule, Jerry is also committed to the 
spirituality of his community. He serves on the usher board and is a 
member of the men's club and the courtesy committee at Bethel AME 
Church in Saginaw.
  Sergeant Prophet not only served the people of Michigan, but served 
his country as well. Before joining the Michigan State Police, he 
served in the Navy and was stationed in China Lake, CA, and Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970 with the 
rank of yeoman 2d class.
  Never losing sight of the importance of education and learning, 
Sergeant Prophet received an associate degree from Delta College in 
1978 and is expected to graduate with 

[[Page E240]]
a bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State College in 1997.
  Jerry could not have achieved these great accomplishments without the 
support of his loving family and including his mother Vanilla Prophet 
and his brothers and sisters, Graylon, Calvin Conrad, and Sharon 
Prophet, Sandra Jean Foster, Tonia Hickman, and Teri Atkins.
  Although he is leaving the police force, I am confident that he will 
continue to serve and protect his community, I request that my 
colleagues join me in wishing Sergeant Prophet and his family best 
wishes as he enters a new phase of his life.

                          ____________________