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
28 years of dedicated service to the New York City Department of
Corrections; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Captain Natalie Branch.