Honor Captain Branch’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 4351 BY: Senator PERSAUD HONORING Captain Natalie Branch upon the occasion of her retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the New York City Department of Corrections WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Captain Natalie Branch upon the occasion of her retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the New York City Department of Corrections; and WHEREAS, Growing up in Eastern New York in a single parent home with three sisters, Natalie Branch witnessed the drugs, crime and gangs that were common in this poverty stricken area; as a young girl, she vowed to make a difference in the world; and WHEREAS, Natalie Branch graduated from John Jay College with a degree in criminal justice before becoming a member of the New York City Department of Corrections on September 14, 1989; she began her illustrious career working at several jails on Rikers Island including the Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC) and North Infirmary Command (NIC); and WHEREAS, Natalie Branch was promoted to Captain on December 24,

2004, while working at the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC), where she trained staff to work more effectively; three years later she was transferred to Brooklyn Detention Complex (BKDC); and WHEREAS, During this time, Captain Natalie Branch was instrumental in bridging the gap between the New York City Department of Corrections staff and members of the community; and WHEREAS, Captain Natalie Branch officially retired from the New York City Department of Corrections in February of 2018, after nearly three decades of distinguished service; and WHEREAS, A true asset to the Brooklyn community, Captain Natalie Branch gives tirelessly of her time and energies organizing women's encouragement meetings and coat drives for the homeless, as well as toy drives and trips for less fortunate children; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, she founded the Kids 4 Kids program and volunteers countless hours at schools in low income neighborhoods where she counsels students on how to deal with drugs, gangs and peer-pressure; she also visits battered women shelters, encouraging women to get out of abusive relationships; and WHEREAS, Captain Natalie Branch has been the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Mayor's Award, Correction Captain Association Award, Borough President Award, Guardian Association Award and Employee of the Month Award; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated public servants who have unselfishly devoted their lives to the preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Captain Natalie Branch upon the occasion of her retirement after