[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8569-8570]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SERGEANT GAYLE D. MILLER COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Sergeant Gayle D. Miller Cooper, Officer in Charge of Communications, 
on the occasion of her retirement from the Cleveland Police Department 
that spans twenty-five years of service to the Cleveland community.
  Raised in Cleveland, Sergeant Cooper graduated from John F. Kennedy 
High School in 1969. She attended Cuyahoga Community College and Case 
Western Reserve University, then joined the Cleveland Police Department 
in 1977. Sergeant Cooper was one of

[[Page 8570]]

the first female officers assigned to work in zone cars--a pioneering 
and courageous achievement in a formerly male dominated profession. Her 
determination and ability to make a difference as a police officer 
opened many doors for women who followed in her path.
  Sergeant Cooper's outstanding work and personal dedication to helping 
others was clearly reflected throughout her tenure of service. In 1980, 
she was promoted to Detective in the Vice Unit of the 5th District. Her 
varied professional experience also included positions as Police 
Academy recruiter, instructor, and background investigator. Officer 
Cooper focused her commitment, courage and intellect on issues 
involving women and children. She became the Domestic Violence expert 
for the Cleveland Police Academy, and in 1993, was appointed as 
Detective in the Youth Gang Unit. Later, Officer Cooper became the 
Juvenile Liaison Officer for the City of Cleveland. Promoted to 
Sergeant in 2001, she was also appointed to the position of Officer in 
Charge of Communications that same year.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
recognition of Sergeant Gayle D. Miller Cooper upon her retirement from 
the Cleveland Police Department. Sergeant Cooper's exceptional and 
courageous service on behalf of the citizens of Cleveland, have served 
to lift the spirits and the lives of countless individuals, families--
and the entire Cleveland community.

                          ____________________