[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 74 (Thursday, May 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF CHIEF JOSEPH C. KOCAB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief Joseph C. 
Kocab of the Brooklyn Heights Police Department and his well-deserved 
retirement. As an officer of the law, Chief Kocab has served the people 
of the greater Cleveland area with honor and professionalism for 31 
years.
  Chief Kocab is a lifelong resident of Brooklyn Heights and attended 
Cuyahoga Heights High School. He graduated from Kent State University 
with a major in law enforcement administration. While studying at Kent 
State, Chief Kocab met his wife Dianne; the two were married in 1979. 
They have two daughters and two grandchildren.
  Chief Kocab was first appointed to the Brooklyn Heights Police 
Department on March 17, 1980. In 1985, he was promoted to sergeant and 
on June 1, 1999 made Chief of Police for the Brooklyn Heights Police 
Department. After completing a professional program, in 2004, Chief 
Kocab became a Certified Law Enforcement Executive. While serving as 
Chief of Police, he was an active member and would serve as a board 
member, Chaplain and president of the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs 
Association. Chief Kocab was also a member of the Ohio Association of 
Chiefs of Police and acted as district representative, treasurer and 
president of the organization.
  Throughout his career, Chief Kocab was instrumental in providing 
vital programs to the youth of Brooklyn Heights. He assisted in the 
creation of the Cuyahoga Heights Safety Town Program in 1982, and in 
1988, was one of Ohio's first officers selected to participate in the 
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program. Additionally, in 1996, 
he was trained to teach the Gang Resistance Education and Training 
(GREAT) program. Chief Kocab taught the GREAT program and served as a 
DARE Officer in Cuyahoga Heights Schools until 1999. He is also an Ohio 
Peace Officers Training Commission Police Academy Instructor and 
teaches police cadets at the Cleveland Heights Police Academy and 
Cuyahoga Community College.
  As a result of his dedication to protecting and educating the 
citizens of Brooklyn Heights, Chief Kocab is a highly decorated 
officer. He is the recipient of multiple unit commendations as well as 
awards for meritorious service, distinguished service, and life saving. 
He has twice been named both the Mothers Against Drunk Driving officer 
of the year and Ohio Auto Theft Investigator's ``Top Cop.''
  In addition to his career as a police officer, Chief Kocab is an 
active member of his community. Since 1976 he has been a member of the 
executive board of the Brooklyn Heights Men's Service Club. He is also 
a volunteer with the Cuyahoga Heights Schools and has been awarded with 
the PTA Life Member and Cuyahoga Heights Golden Apple Achievement 
awards.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Chief Joseph 
C. Kocab for his exemplary service on behalf of his community. Chief 
Kocab has served and protected the people of Brooklyn Heights with 
courage for 31 years.

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