[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 3 (Thursday, January 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING JIM SEARS OF INDIANAPOLIS, IN

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Jim Sears, a 
fellow Hoosier, an Indiana State Police officer, a family man and a 
friend, who passed away on December 31, 2002.
  As those who knew Trooper Sears would attest, his strong commitment 
to the city of Indianapolis was reflected in his distinguished career. 
In 1962, he became the first African American to wear an Indiana State 
Police uniform. He opened doors for other African Americans who aspired 
to become State Police officers and to break through barriers of all 
kinds. Marion County's first African American Sheriff, Frank Anderson 
was a classmate of Sears' at Short Ridge High School in 1956 and was 
with him on the day they both went downtown to apply for the force. 
State Police Superintendent Melvin Carraway referred to Sears as ``our 
mentor.''
  Jim Sears' life was an example of kindness, gentleness and 
perseverance in the face of constant prejudice. His guiding principle 
was to protect the dignity of the public, especially those whom he was 
forced to deal with for legal infractions. He once shared that if he 
caught someone speeding, he would ask the person to step out of the car 
if children were present in an attempt to protect the children from 
witnessing their parent in an embarrassing situation.
  Trooper Sears sought to keep others from humiliation, although often 
he was the recipient of cold, disparaging treatment from fellow 
troopers and the public because of the color of his skin. Not easily 
discouraged Trooper Sears remained a perfectionist and a stickler for 
regulations, allowing others to benefit from his shining example. In 
1976, Trooper Sears and a group of other Black troopers settled a 
racial discrimination lawsuit with the State Police, which subsequently 
agreed to recruit and promote minorities. ``Despite the bad things that 
happened, I'd do it all over again,'' Trooper Sears said after the 
settlement. ``Because someone had to straighten out this mess of people 
not being hired strictly on color. I helped open the door.''
  After 15 years as a trooper, Jim Sears was transferred to the job he 
called ``the highlight of his career,'' serving on the security detail 
for Gov. Otis Bowen from 1977 to 1980. After that detail, Sears was 
head of the department's planning arm when he retired in 1992 after 30 
years of service. After retirement, Jim Sears graduated from Indiana 
University-Purdue University of Indianapolis and worked for the Indiana 
Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  Trooper Jim Sears opened doors for those who followed. He was a true 
leader and humanitarian whom the city of Indianapolis and the State of 
Indiana will miss tremendously.
  We owe a debt of gratitude to the late Jim Sears for his lifelong 
service to Indiana and our Nation.

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