[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF JAMES WHITLEY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. KUNINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Metroparks Rangers Chief James Whitley Jr., on the occasion of his 
recent retirement from service with the Cleveland Metroparks.
  Raised in Cleveland, Chief Whitley graduated from John Hay High 
School in 1976. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter. While 
stationed in England, Chief Whitley earned a Bachelor's degree in 
Psychology. Following four years of exemplary service to his country, 
he came home to Cleveland where he worked as a caseworker for Cuyahoga 
County. In that capacity, Chief Whitley helped troubled veterans obtain 
shelter, food and benefits.
  In 1982, Chief Whitley began his service as a police officer with the 
City of Cleveland Heights. His outstanding work and personal dedication 
to helping others was clearly rejected throughout his tenure of 
service. He rose quickly through the department ranks and was promoted 
to Commander of the Traffic Bureau in 1990. Significantly and 
historically, Chief Whitley broke through racial barriers by becoming 
the first African-American Sergeant within the Cleveland Heights Police 
Department, which paved the way for other men and women to follow.
  As Chief of the Metroparks Ranger, Chief Whitley's vision and 
leadership brought new life to the Ranger Special Units and was a 
significant force behind the newly constructed headquarters operations 
facilities, opening this fall. A tireless supporter of continued 
education, Chief Whitley was a strong advocate for post-secondary 
education for rangers and staff.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, admiration, 
gratitude and recognition of Chief Ranger James of our country and on 
behalf of the citizens of our Cleveland community have served to lift 
the spirits Whitley, Jr. Chief Whitley's exceptional work ethic, law 
enforcement expertise and commendable service on behalf and the lives 
of countless individuals and families and we extend our best wishes 
throughout his future endeavors.

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