Congratulating the Independence Police Department
Floor Speech
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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
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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
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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
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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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