August 3, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1401 

often shares her wealth of experiences that 

she gained over the years in order to educate 

and pass on her wisdom to the younger generations. 

I wish Emma the best as she celebrates her 

100th Birthday with a large family gathering on 

August 11, 2012. Her 8 living children, 45 

grandchildren, 87 great grandchildren, and 9 

great-great grandchildren will join Emma in 

celebrating this monumental milestone. My 

congratulations go out to Emma, along with 

those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, 

Rialto Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating a 

beloved community member, Emma Shaw. 

f 

EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT 

OF 2012 

SPEECH OF

HON. JUDY CHU OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, the Edward Byrne 

Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program 

has been an invaluable source of funding for 

state and local law enforcement jurisdictions 

across the country, including in my district. 

Without this broad-based source of funding, 

safety in our communities would suffer. This 

invaluable grant program supports a wide 

range of areas including from crime prevention 

and education to technology improvements for 

police departments. 

In addition, the Byrne JAG Program provides resources for body armor, an area that 

I highlighted during action on H.R. 6062 in the 

Judiciary Committee, of which I am a Member. 

The grant program allows local law enforcement agencies and other grantees to purchase 

equipment, which can include bulletproof and 

stab-resistant vests. Although the Bureau of 

Justice Assistance (‘‘BJA’’) is not required to 

track body armor purchases with Byrne JAG 

funds, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study released in February of this year, roughly 14 percent of grantees surveyed had used JAG funds to buy 

body armor in 2010. 

Without a doubt, personal body armor plays 

a critical role in saving law enforcement officers from disabilities and death. As a matter of 

fact, FBI data shows that the risk of death for 

officers who did not wear body armor was 14 

times greater than those who did. Despite this 

finding, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that only 71% of local police departments require field officers to wear body armor 

at least some of the time, while only 59% of 

departments require the officers to wear protective armor at all times. The benefits from 

wearing body armor are evident, and yet . . . 

many departments still don’t require it. 

Recently, the U.S. Attorney General instituted a new requirement for Fiscal Year 2011 

grantees seeking matching funds from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act (BVPA)—grantees now need to have mandatory body armor 

wear policies in place. This means that uniformed officers on patrol are required to wear 

a protective vest. Unfortunately, this same 

mandate is not included in the Byrne JAG program. 

This is why I proposed an amendment in 

Committee—similar to an amendment proposed to the BVPA reauthorization by Senator 

GRASSLEY, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and accepted by that Committee—that would have unified this mandatory wear policy and extended it to the Byrne 

JAG program. Chairman SMITH graciously 

noted his willingness to work with me on this 

front, and so I agreed to withdraw my amendment, but the issue is still worth mentioning on 

the floor since it is such an important issue. I 

welcome the interest of any of my colleagues 

who would also like to work with me on ensuring the extension of mandatory wear policies 

for body armor to additional federal grantees. 

I highlighted another issue when proposing 

my amendment in the Judiciary Committee, 

which is body armor fit—an issue that concerns all law enforcement officers, but particularly the growing number of women in law enforcement. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, the number of women in local law enforcement grew from 7.6% in 1987 to 12% in 

2007. In 2007, women accounted for 18% of 

sworn officers in 12 of the 13 largest local police departments. 

The need for properly fitted body armor for 

women is extremely important. Much of the 

armor currently offered is designed for male 

officers and simply does not take into account 

the anatomical differences. This of course 

leads to poor fit and discomfort. Fit issues also 

apply to male officers, who we know also 

come in different shapes and sizes. And 

whenever officers put on body armor that is 

not properly fitted, they are exposing themselves to greater harm since they are not as 

protected as they could be. 

The International Association of Chiefs of 

Police/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club (Survivors’ Club) has documented more than 

3,150 saves from disability or death by wearing of or use of protective body armor. As 

noted in a July 19th letter to me from Retired 

Police Chief Ron McBride, Program Manager 

for Survivors’ Club, ‘‘It is appropriate to ensure 

that taxpayers’ dollars expended on providing 

body armor results in consistent wear of an 

issued vest. Protective body armor left in an 

officer’s locker provides zero protection. 

Unique fit is essential to optimizing protection. 

A well fitted armor provides best coverage of 

an officer’s torso and is more comfortable to 

wear. These two issues equate to enhanced 

officer safety.’’ 

This is why the second part of my amendment offered in committee would have required that body armor purchased with Byrne 

JAG funding be uniquely fitted to each officer, 

including female officers. 

The issue of properly fitted body armor 

should not be taken lightly when considering 

the overall safety of law enforcement officers. 

Body armor saves lives, but only if it fits properly and is worn by officers. I look forward to 

continuing to work with the Chairman, Ranking 

Member CONYERS, and other interested Members in these areas. 

REMEMBERING CARL STEPHENS, 

THE VOICE OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY 

HON. JO BONNER 

OF ALABAMA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, August 2, 2012 

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I note the passing of a beloved 

South Alabama broadcaster and familiar voice 

of Auburn University football. Mr. Carl Stephens passed away August 1, 2012, at the 

age of 77. 

A native Alabamian, Carl Stephens was attracted to sports and broadcasting early in life, 

taking the mic as a sportscaster at the age of 

ten in his native Gadsden. He later served as 

student manager of the college radio station 

while at the University of Alabama. After graduation, Carl Stephens began his television career with WSFA–TV in Montgomery, which 

spanned from 1957 to 1998. 

His booming, pleasant voice and professional over-the-air delivery were for decades 

synonymous with WSFA News. However, for 

many Alabamians he was best known as host 

of a popular children’s cartoon show in the 

late 1950s and co-anchor of the Auburn Football Review for many years. 

As Sports Director at WSFA–TV in Montgomery from 1963–75, Carl Stephens served 

as the producer and host of Coach Ralph 

‘‘Shug’’ Jordan’s weekly television show where 

the popular Auburn phrase, ‘‘You’re so right, 

Carl,’’ was born. Following Carl Stephens’ 

opening comments of each show, Coach Jordan would respond with, ‘‘You’re so right, 

Carl.’’ 

Along with his duties as host of the Auburn 

Football Review and responsibilities at JordanHare Stadium, Mr. Stephens also served as 

the PA announcer at Auburn basketball and 

baseball games and as the voice of the Auburn Marching Band at football games. 

In addition to his work for Auburn, Mr. Stephens was the public address voice for the 

first 15 Southeastern Conference Football 

Championship games, 14 SEC Basketball 

Tournaments and six SEC Baseball Tournaments. Mr. Stephens also did public address work for NCAA Basketball Tournament 

games in Birmingham. 

Prior to the 1973 Auburn football season, 

Mr. Stephens was asked to take on additional 

responsibility with Auburn as its public address 

announcer at the old Cliff Hare Stadium. Mr. 

Stephens held the PA duties at Auburn football for three seasons before moving to Columbia, S.C., to serve as Program Director for 

WIS–TV for two years. 

Carl Stephens returned to Montgomery in 

1978 as Program/Promotions Manager for 

WSFA and resumed his PA duties at JordanHare Stadium for the 1979 Auburn football 

season, which he has held ever since. 

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to his 

wife, Mary, son Richard, daughter Sandra and 

entire family. Carl will be missed. 


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E1402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 3, 2012 

HONORING JUDGE JOSEPH P. 

CRONIN JR. 

HON. PATRICK MEEHAN OF PENNSYLVANIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, August 2, 2012 

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor 

a great American, legal scholar and friend— 

Judge Joseph P. Cronin, Jr. Judge Cronin has 

shown a lifelong commitment to public service 

and to Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Judge 

Cronin first served his nation as a Marine and 

following law school he joined the District Attorney’s Office in Delaware County where he 

prosecuted cases in the Juvenile Court. Following his service as a prosecutor, he went on 

to become Partner at the law firm of Cronin, 

Emuryan and Breen. Although in private practice at the time, Judge Cronin still remained 

dedicated to the community by serving his 

township as commissioner. 

On November 5, 1991 Judge Cronin was 

elected to his first 10-year term to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. During 

these years as a trial Judge he earned a reputation as a fair-minded and wise jurist. Judge 

Cronin was retained for a second term and in 

January 2008 he was elected President Judge 

by the 19-member Board of Judges to serve 

a five-year term. In that role, Judge Cronin 

showed tremendous skill in leading a busy 

Court System with significant responsibilities. 

Recently, Judge Cronin was instrumental in 

helping Delaware County establish a veteran’s 

treatment court to aid those heroes who now 

suffer from substance abuse and mental illness. Judge Cronin will retire from his position 

on the Court of Common Pleas on August 31, 

2012. 

Judge Joseph Cronin’s service to Delaware 

County has been invaluable and he has our 

enduring gratitude. I join the citizens of Delaware County and the 7th Congressional District in wishing him and his family the best for 

the future. 

f 

RECOGNIZING MARK JOHNSON 

HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, August 2, 2012 

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 

ask the House of Representatives to join me 

in recognizing Mark Johnson, the first AfricanAmerican in history to capture both a World 

Flyweight and Super Flyweight championship 

twice in his career. Also known as ‘‘Too 

Sharp,’’ Mr. Johnson was a top pound-forpound fighter during his sixteen-year career 

from 1990 to 2006. He perfected finesse, 

power, and speed. Attesting to his athleticism, 

his perseverance, and his well-developed 

skills, Johnson attained twenty-one knockouts 

before his matches made it to the fourth 

round. 

Mr. Johnson had more than execution; he 

had an array of intangibles that set him apart 

from the rest of his profession. In his pursuits, 

Mr. Johnson left his natural division to take a 

Super Flyweight title and then go on to challenge bantamweights. While Mr. Johnson did 

not reach significant popularity due to his 

weight class and lack of defining fights, he 

went on to become one of the top pound-forpound fighters in boxing for several years. 

During his career, Mr. Johnson won fortyfour professional boxing matches and lost only 

five. He had twenty-eight knockouts. During 

Mr. Johnson’s amateur career, he won 125 

boxing matches and lost only six. He won the 

first Junior World PentaContinental title in 

1993. He held the International Boxing Federation Flyweight title from May 1996 to September 1998, the International Boxing Federation Super Flyweight title from April 1999 to 

November 1990, and the World Boxing Organization Junior Bantamweight title from August 

2003 to September 2004. Mr. Johnson was 

the first African-American in history to capture 

both a World Flyweight and Super Flyweight 

boxing championship, and he did that not 

once, but twice. 

Since 2008, after retiring from professional 

boxing in 2008, Mr. Johnson, along with his 

father and lifelong trainer, Abraham ‘‘Ham’’ 

Johnson, has been training underprivileged 

boys and girls in their gym located in Southeast Washington, D.C. Today, Mark Johnson 

is employed as a Roving Leader within the 

D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, 

and in that capacity, he conducts home and 

school visits, and teaches at-risk children to 

read and write. He also is heavily involved in 

gang violence prevention. Mr. Johnson serves 

as a positive and accomplished role-model for 

troubled youth within the Washington, D.C. 

area. 

Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2012, Mark ‘‘Too 

Sharp’’ Johnson was the first Boxer from 

Washington, D.C. to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, and, at 40 years old, he is 

the youngest ever to have received such an 

honor. ‘‘I have known Mark since he was 6; he 

deserves it and he’s the best bantamweight 

ever,’’ former world-champion Sugar Ray 

Leonard said of Mark Johnson’s induction into 

the Hall of Fame. I ask the House to join me 

in commending Mark Johnson for his outstanding accomplishments as a boxing champion and his ongoing commitment to the youth 

of the District of Columbia. 

f 

TRIBUTE TO MERCERDESE CLARK 

HON. CORRINE BROWN OF FLORIDA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, August 2, 2012 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. On behalf of the 

constituents of the Third Congressional District 

of Florida, I rise now to offer heartfelt condolences and pay tribute to the life of an extraordinary accomplished woman, Mrs. Mercerdese 

Clark, a humanitarian, healer, life activist, and 

friend. 

We are moved and encouraged when recalling the life achievements and service of Mrs. 

Clark as a nurse, community leader, and social activist. She has been an advocate for social service, health awareness and a role 

model and mentor to youth and entrepreneurs 

in the Central Florida community for many 

years. An Orlando native who received her 

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Hampton 

University in Virginia, Mrs. Clark served as a 

nurse at Orange Memorial Hospital and Winter 

Park Memorial Hospital. Shortly after, she became the first African-American female to be 

the Director of the Orange County Health Department in Orlando, Florida. At the time of 

her retirement, she worked as a Nursing Care 

Coordinator at Orlando Veteran Administration 

Outpatient Clinic. 

As a community activist, she gave of herself 

and her talents to benefit both the individuals 

and the many organizations she served. Mrs. 

Clark became chairwoman of the Parramore 

Heritage Renovation project which was responsible for assessing the needs and defining solutions for existing conditions within this 

historic neighborhood. She worked tirelessly to 

maintain the goal of the agency to preserve, 

develop and improve the economics of the 

area; improve the educational level of the residents; and preserve the cultural heritage of 

the community. She took special pride in the 

area because she had close ties to the community having grown up there as well as her 

own personal and historical connection her 

family had to the neighborhood. Mrs. Clark’s 

parents, Leroy E. Richardson and Rosa 

James Richardson, her paternal grandmother, 

Adeline Richardson, and other family members were among Orlando’s earliest residents 

in Central Florida. Mrs. Clark could recall the 

early days of the founding Orlando community 

where needs of families were often provided 

from the surplus of another. It was those 

memories that inspired and motivated her to 

become president of the Parramore Heritage 

Foundation, president of the Carter Street 

Neighborhood Association, and Board Director 

for the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement 

Corporation. She also became a business 

owner in the area to contribute to the economic development of the vicinity by opening 

a women’s boutique, Clarks’ Ladies Fashion. 

Mrs. Clark had a very successful career and 

received numerous awards through her continuous involvement of various community, social 

and civic groups in Central Florida including 

the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma 

Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she was 

recognized for 15 years of outstanding service 

and commitment. 

A virtuous woman and mother of two, we 

embrace her children and her family. She was 

a loving and caring mother who nurtured not 

only her children, but the community. We 

honor Mrs. Clark for the many contributions 

and the impact she had on the lives of many. 

She was truly an invaluable member of our 

community and an outstanding servant. The 

life of Mercerdese Clark was one of accomplishment, excellence and service. In her 

passing, we pay tribute to a consummate professional woman for her life of service and we 

pray that by her example each of us become 

the bearers of her spirit and humanitarian legacy of passion for service and excellence. We 

come now to join in prayer for, son, Kenneth 

Clark and daughter Kim G. Clark and a host 

of loving relatives, Sorority Sisters, and friends 

whose lives have been forever changed by 

this woman of God. We thank Our Heavenly 

Father for allowing us to be blessed with the 

time spent with Mrs. Mercerdese Clark. 


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