[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING THE INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

  (Mr. Miller of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Independence Police Department for receiving the 2025 National Officer 
Safety and Wellness award in comprehensive wellness. This is the top 
award in the country, and Independence Police Department is the first 
in Ohio ever to win it.
  The department focuses on fitness, mental wellness, financial 
wellness, and family programming to keep its officers supported and 
operating at the highest levels.
  Physical wellness is supported by onsite gym access, organized 
challenges and workouts, and free wellness exams and cancer screenings. 
Its mental health support includes confidential counseling, peer and 
chaplain programs, and an annual screening with a licensed mental 
health clinician. Additionally, between 2023 and 2024, information 
gleaned from nutrition and financial wellness seminars contributed to a 
50 percent reduction in sick time usage within the department, 
resulting in $125,000 in savings for the city.
  Mr. Speaker, the Independence Police Department's comprehensive 
wellness program is truly unparalleled, and I congratulate them on this 
more than well-received award.


               Celebrating Eileen Quine's 100th Birthday

  Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent 
Eileen Quine, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Halloween.
  Eileen's children describe her as a loving wife to her husband, a 
master sergeant in the Marine Corps, with whom she shared 74 years of 
marriage before his passing.
  She was heavily involved in the lives of her three children: Karen, 
Ronald, and Loree, always providing a welcoming home where their 
friends could gather.
  She has five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and ten nieces 
and nephews who all call her weekly and some even daily to keep in 
touch. She is a social animal who loves being with people and is a 
wonderful friend, aunt, and, most of all, mother.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Eileen a very happy 100th birthday.


                    Honoring the Life of Bob Sekerak

  Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Bob Sekerak, a proud Clevelander.
  Born to John and Mary, and beloved husband to Linda, Bob's greatest 
joy was his son, Brian.
  Drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war, Bob served honorably as 
a medic in Seattle.
  After the war, he returned home to Hinckley, where he spent happy 
days swimming in the lake and enjoying barbecues with his family and 
friends. Bob built a distinguished career as a respiratory therapist at 
Metro Health Systems in Cleveland, working alongside his brother David 
until retirement. A gifted pianist, he brought joy to many with his 
favorite songs.
  In later years, Bob found peace on a small farm in Medina, raising 
rescued horses and a spirited donkey, always accompanied by his loyal 
German shepherd. His favorite horse, Duke, reflected Bob's own gentle 
strength.
  Today, we celebrate a life of service, music, and quiet devotion, a 
life that touched all who knew him.


      Recognizing Chiefs of Police Robert Butler and Edward Kinney

  Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize two 
individuals: Independence, Ohio Chief of Police Robert Butler, and 
Medina, Ohio Chief of Police Ed Kinney.
  Earlier this year, Chief Butler was sworn in as president of the Ohio 
Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief Kinney was sworn in as first 
vice president of the Association.
  The Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police was established almost 100 
years ago to serve its members through a broad range of services, 
including professional, educational, and informational services.
  The goal is to foster improvements in police practices, training, and 
education while increasing the public's understanding of the role 
police play in keeping all of us safe.
  The association made a great decision to select two great chiefs that 
happened to be from my district for these leadership positions.
  Chief Butler has been a police officer since 2008 and became the 
Independence Chief of Police in 2021. Meanwhile, Chief Kinney has 
served the city of Medina for over two decades, becoming chief of 
police in 2017.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Chief Butler and Chief Kinney for their 
leadership in both Ohio's Seventh District and the whole State of Ohio. 
I thank them both so much for their service.

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