Anonymous fan lauds Second District police commander on billboard

Donna J. Miller, Plain Dealer reporter
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Cleveland Police Dept.

CLEVELAND -- Someone appreciates police Commander Keith Sulzer and his officers enough to pay for a billboard in the Second District.

The billboard in the 3200 block of Clark Avenue set someone back about $350, but no one has come forward to take credit for it, Lt. Thomas Stacho said.

Sulzer, who joined the department in 1990, said he was shocked last week when he saw the billboard. City councilmen and the community development groups in the area told him they didn't rent the billboard.

Sulzer took over the District 18 months ago. He surmises that residents like his sense of humor, fairness and his focus on quality of life issues. His officers have cracked down on drug dealers, prostitutes, speeders, public drinkers and motorists blasting their stereos, he said.

Second District vice officers have made 150 arrests for prostitution so far this year, up from about 50 last year.

"But this job isn't about statistics, it's about working with residents, council and community groups and focusing on trouble spots that diminish the quality of life in a neighborhood, he said.