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Contact: Mitch Cooper 937-3971

FORMER ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPUTY CHIEF MITCH COOPER FILES PAPERS TO FORM POLITICAL COMMITTEE TO RUN FOR BLAIR COUNTY SHERIFF, NOTIFIES REPUBLICAN PARTY LEADERS THAT HE IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING A RUN FOR SHERIFF

This morning, former Altoona Police Department Deputy Chief Mitch Cooper filed a political committee registration form in the Office of the Director of Elections for Blair County stating that he was forming a committee to consider a run for Blair County Sheriff. He also forwarded a letter to members of the Blair County Republican Committee expressing an interest in the position and stating that he would make a final decision by the end of the year.

Mitch Cooper served in the Altoona Police Department for twenty-six years, the last seven as Deputy Chief. As Deputy Chief, Cooper directed the daily operations of the department. Prior to his service in the Altoona Police Department, Cooper served as an officer in the Bellwood Police Department, Altoona Hospital Security Department and the United States Air Force. Cooper stated he believes that because of the current crime and drug problems in Blair County and the expanding number of individuals from other jurisdictions committing crime, a Sheriff should have adequate law enforcement and administrative experience. Cooper believes that his background is well suited for the position. “I believe that my experience provides the proper balance of serving in law enforcement as well as supervising employees and running a budget, providing those services in an effective and efficient manner.”

Mitch Cooper, age 53, stated that he is a registered republican and if he runs, he will seek the republican nomination in 2009. Cooper lives in Altoona with his wife Gina of twenty-eight years. He has three adult children. Cooper has served as a volunteer in various community service organizations such as Operation Our Town, Blair County Senior Services, Blair County Respiratory Disease Society, Blair County United Way, Blair County Children and Youth Services and activities with his church, Sacred Heart Church in Altoona.