[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES J. GNEW

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James J. 
Gnew, a praiseworthy individual who has devoted his life to upholding 
the law and defending the lives and wellbeing of the citizens of 
Cleveland.
  James' service to others began early in his life. In 1966, James 
joined the Army to serve his country in Vietnam. After leaving the 
Army, he joined the Cleveland Police Department, extending his service 
to the community at large. He was noted for his superb talents as an 
officer of the law and in 1978 he was chosen to be a part of a high 
risk tactical division which would eventually become the Cleveland SWAT 
team.
  His tenure as a valued member of the SWAT team is filled with 
numerous achievements. Throughout his career he conducted over 400 high 
risk operations. One such incident occurred on January 4th, 1984. James 
led his team in successfully defusing a hostage scenario at Cleveland's 
Hopkins International Airport. James handled the situation 
exceptionally well. In recognition of his acts of heroism, he received 
numerous awards including a Silver Star, 3 Medals of Heroism, a Medal 
of Valor and the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Lifetime 
Achievement award.
  James is also a caring husband and father. He loves his wife Cheryl 
dearly, and his three children are always in James' thoughts.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring James J. Gnew, 
whose life and legacy will always be cherished by the Cleveland 
community. James has been a diligent and vital asset to the Cleveland 
community and he will always be honored and remembered by those he 
serves.

                          ____________________