[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF CLEVELAND POLICE COMMANDER MARVIN CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Commander Marvin Cross, upon the occasion of his retirement from the 
Cleveland Police Department--Following twenty-two years of dedication 
to the citizens of Cleveland; and twenty-two years of honor to the 
force and to the badge.
  Commander Cross was born and raised in Cleveland, and graduated from 
Max Hayes High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from 
Myers University, and later graduated from the FBI Academy. In 1981, 
Commander Cross joined the city of Cleveland Police Department. By 
1983, Commander Cross was promoted to the position of Detective, and 
within ten years, he was appointed to the position of Sergeant in the 
6th District. His extensive experience regarding hate crimes, combined 
with his passion for social justice, led Commander Cross to create the 
city of Cleveland's Ethnic Intimidation/Hate Crime Task Force. This 
Task Force has resulted in a 62 percent reduction of hate crime 
activities since 1998.
  Commander Cross' great intellect, combined with his exceptional 
interpersonal skills, brought people and agencies together for the 
common good and protection of Cleveland citizens. He developed a 
Fugitive Tracking System that led to the apprehension of over 2,500 
fugitives; and reduced fugitive tracking expenses by more than forty 
percent.
  The list of Commander Cross' accomplishments and accolades is long 
and far-reaching. He was twice-named Police Officer of the Year; was 
honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the city of Cleveland 
Police Department; and was bestowed the Red Cross Biennial Volunteer 
Hero Award, among others.
  These extraordinary honors reflect the extraordinary nature of 
Commander Cross himself, His integrity, vision, heart, and concern for 
others has served to uplift the lives of countless families and 
individuals within our community. Commander Cross in the ultimate hero 
and role model for our youth. His sincere concern for our children has 
been witnessed through his involvement in the Amateur Athletic Youth 
Basketball League, the Special Olympics Torch Run and the Greater 
Cleveland Big Brothers/Big Sisters Shadow Blue Program.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
celebration of Commander Marvin Cross, as we reflect on his twenty-two 
years of significant service to the citizens of Cleveland. Commander 
Cross' positive nature, personal integrity, expertise, and focus on 
protecting his constituents in the city of Cleveland have all served to 
raise the grade of safety and protection within the City limits to an 
exceptional level. Commander Cross' outstanding years of service has 
been a guiding force within our community, and is worthy of our 
gratitude and recognition. We wish Commander Cross and his entire 
family many blessings, great happiness and abundant health today and 
always.

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