[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING POLICE OFFICER CHARLES E. BENNING SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Police Officer Charles E. Benning, Sr., on the occasion of his 
retirement from the Cleveland Police Department. Charles E. Benning, 
Sr., has honorably and diligently carried out his oath to protect and 
serve the people of the City of Cleveland for the past twenty-three 
years.
  Officer Benning is a life long resident of Cleveland, Ohio, educated 
in the Cleveland Public Schools and a graduate of John Hay High School. 
He attended Bowling Green State University, and was a founder of the 
Delta Epsilon Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity there. Officer 
Benning is a dedicated member of St. James Lutheran Church, and is a 
member of Bible Study Group that provides male leadership to the 
church, the Men of St. James (M. O. S. T). He also sings with the Male 
Chorus.
  Officer Benning began his Masonic Career in 1995 in William T. Boyd 
Lodge #79. He built a solid foundation in Masonry by serving in all 
seats preceding Worshipful Master. He is a member of Cuyahoga Chapter 
#36 Royal Arch Masons, Bezaleel Consistory #15, Scottish Rite Masons 
and El Hasa Temple #28 of the E.E.A.O.N.MS. On December 3, 2002, he was 
elected to Worshipful Master of William T. Boyd Lodge and has served 
the craft faithfully and to the best of his ability.
  For the past twenty-three years in the Cleveland Police Department, 
Officer Benning served in Basic Patrol, in the 5th District Vice Unit, 
and the 5th District Strike Force. He was selected as one of nine Gang 
Detectives when the Department started the Youth/Gang Task Force, and 
during his tenure in this department has made many presentations at 
Universities, High Schools, and Middle Schools on gang and youth 
violence. He is the current President of the Ohio Chapter of the 
Midwest Gang Investigators Association. He is also a member of the 
Black Shield Police Association, and the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's 
Association.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
recognition of Officer Charles E. Benning Sr., upon his retirement as a 
Police Officer with the Cleveland Police Department. His exceptional 
and courageous service on behalf of the citizens of Cleveland and 
beyond have served to lift the spirits and the lives of countless 
individuals, families within Cleveland and all along the North Coast. 
We wish Officer Benning, his wife Jean, mother, Katie Mae, and children 
Kevin, Jason, Derrick and Charles Jr. many blessings of peace, health 
and happiness throughout his retirement.

                          ____________________