August 20th, 1923 – July 24th, 2007
Gerald W. Cooper passed away on July 24, 2007 at the age of 83. He retired from the U. S. Army after serving 20 years, including World War II and Korea. He was a Prisoner of War in Germany during WW II; and was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; European Medal with Three Battle Stars; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal with Two Battle Stars; and more.
He was a Life Member of ASIS International, the world’s foremost security organization; and a Lifetime Certified Protection Professional (CPP). Besides being a member with ASIS International, he served in numerous Chapter leadership positions, including Chairman; and was an Assistant Regional Vice President and then Regional Vice President for Region XIII. Among his many awards with ASIS International are being the first recipient of the E. J. Criscuoli, Jr. Volunteer Leadership Award; and the recipient of the ASIS Florida West Coast Chapter’s most prestigious award, the Charles J. Knight Award, given to the Outstanding Member of the Year. He was appointed to the Florida Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Advisory Council, and helped developed the curriculum for all licensed Security Officers in the State of Florida.
He was President of the Tampa/St. Petersburg Chapter of the National Association of Uniformed Services; served on Congressman Mike Bilirakis Veterans Affairs Committee; served on the Mac Dill AFB Hospital Advisory Council; and served on the Williamsburg Community Homeowners Board of Directors.
He was also Newsletter Editor of the ‘Old Pinks’ organization, which is composed of former Pinkerton Detective Agency personnel; and co-hosted their national reunion in Tampa last year.
