December 10, 2014

Key to the City Recipient 

James Cooper served four terms on the City Council since the City incorporated in 2000, and was Elk Grove's first mayor. Cooper now represents the state's 9 ^th Assembly District, which spans Sacramento to Lodi, including Elk Grove. The Nov. 12, 2015 Council Meeting was Cooper's last as an Elk Grove City Councilmember.

"As a Councilmember, law enforcement official, volunteer, and coach, Jim Cooper has made a tremendous impact in the Elk Grove community," said Mayor Gary Davis. "Honoring Jim with a Key to the City demonstrates our grateful recognition to his contributions, and we hope this key serves as a reminder that the door is always open to Jim at City Hall."

Cooper has served the community for more than 30 years as a law enforcement officer, City Councilmember, and volunteer. His law enforcement career includes nine years working undercover to fight gang violence and drug trafficking. He has earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star for Bravery for heroic actions during the 1991 "Good Guys" hostage crisis. He also served two years as the Sheriff's Department's spokesperson.