[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATIONS, GLORIA JEAN OLIVER A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to the attention of my 
colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives the 
accomplishments of a person who has truly made a difference in her 
community, Ms. Gloria Jean Oliver. Retired as a captain from the East 
Orange Police Department, Ms. Oliver has been selected as one of the 
recipients of the presitigous YWCA ``Women of Influence'' awards. She 
will be honored at a special luncheon in New Jersey on November 4, 
2000.
  Born in Glenridge and educated in the East Orange school system, Ms. 
Oliver attended Upsala College and received a bachelor of arts degree 
in Social Science.
  In 1969, she distinguished herself by becoming the first female to be 
hired by the East Orange Police Department after placing first on the 
New Jersey Civil Service exam. After breaking this barrier, she spent 
her first decade as a detective in the Juvenile Aide Bureau while also 
taking on an assignment in the rape squad. She continued to be a 
pioneer in her field, becoming a founding member of the Afro-American 
police organization with the formation of the East Orange Kinsmen, Inc. 
She was the first recording secretary of the organization, which was 
dedicated to serving the local community.
  After a promotion to sergeant in 1979, Ms. Oliver supervised the 
robbery squad. In 1986, while assigned to the Patrol Division, Gloria 
was promoted to lieutenant and was in charge of the ``Safe 
Neighborhoods Division.'' She commanded the 4 p.m. until midnight tour 
of the Patrol Division, was the Record's Bureau supervisor and was in 
charge of the Communications Division. In 1998, she was promoted to 
acting captain, where she served ten months as the commander in charge 
of the 4 p.m. until midnight tour before her retirement in September of 
1999.
  Among the hobbies she enjoys are reading, traveling and writing 
poetry. A true family person, she is devoted to her eighty-eight year 
old father and takes great pride in her two nieces, Shelly and Krystal, 
and her great nieces and nephews. Ms. Oliver is now enjoying a well-
deserved retirement where she continues to be active as a member of the 
Board of Directors of the North End Nursery.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in commending Ms. Oliver 
for her outstanding professional achievements and her service to the 
community. Let us extend our congratulations as she receives the Women 
of influence Award and our very best wishes for continued health and 
happiness.

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