News

                                                                                                          As prepared for delivery

Commissioner Brann’s remarks from today’s Promotions & Appointments Ceremony

 

October 30, 2020

 

 

 

Good morning:

 

It is my honor to welcome you today to the Promotion and Appointments

 

Ceremony.

While this certainly is a joyous occasion, I would like to take a moment to

 

remember the BOLDEST family members we’ve lost this year. Their service to

 

this City and to DOC will not be forgotten and hopefully, the loss that we feel will

 

be lessened by happy memories of the time we spent with them that we

 

carry close to our hearts each and every day.

 

 

This year, despite the unprecedented challenges faced, and there have been

 

many, the Department of Correction celebrates 125 years of service to New York

 

City. Throughout our existence, we have had the good fortune to employ

 

trailblazers and thought-leaders who, like those seated before you, were ready,

 

willing and able to go above and beyond the call of duty.

 

When I began my career in law enforcement 40 years ago, I

 

could never have imagined the journey I was about to embark upon. But I

 

remained committed, worked hard, stayed true to my basic beliefs and heeded

 

the advice given to me by a few of my mentors, some of which I’d like to share

 

with you now.

 

 

First, this work is full of challenges as well as opportunities. Prepare yourself by

 

performing whatever role you are in, to the best of your abilities. There is

 

no task beneath you and every assignment is important, not only to your success

 

but to that of your team and the agency.

 

We probably have all had those moments, especially when we feel like we’re the

 

only ones putting in the hard work when we ask, “just exactly what does – and

 

you can insert any name or title here- DO? I encourage you to be curious. Learn

 

what those above and around you do and how their duties not only affect what

 

you do, but how they contribute to the effective operations of the agency. This

 

will not only provide you with a broader view of the agency and the prevailing

 

issues, but it will certainly help you guide your staff as well as prepare you to

 

continue to advance in your career. Every day in Corrections is different, with a

 

variety of challenges, things to do, problems to solve, and successes to celebrate.

 

You should never experience a lack of meaningful work.

 

 

 

Next, be a person of character. Always act with competence and integrity. You

 

must encourage it, if not demand it from others. Model what you want to see in

 

those around you. Set the bar of performance high and help others reach for

 

success. This will develop your reputation and help earn the trust of

 

your colleagues, supervisors, subordinates and those in our custody. Build a

 

team and be in the game every day. In the words of Chief Stukes, “On your way

 

home each day, ask yourself- Did I make a difference? Did I fulfill my purpose?”

 

 

 

And finally, try to maintain a sense of balance in your lives. Stay grounded in

 

family, friends, faith, community and those things that bring you joy. This work

 

can become all-consuming if you allow it…I know. But we don’t expect it and it is

 

not healthy, either mentally or physically. We need you to be at your best- every

 

day. To that end, we have invested in your well-being through the Wellness

 

Center where you can access both physical and mental health support services

 

and our amazing C.A.R.E. staff.

 

 

These are a few ingredients in a recipe for success. Easily said, but not always

 

so easily done.

 

Each journey is unique and personal. The staff being recognized here today have

 

been firmly invested in their success through diligent preparation and training,

 

coupled with the support of their peers, colleagues, family and friends. They will

 

become the change agents needed to take us into the future while maintaining

 

our standing as leaders in Correctional reform and best practices.

Today, we not only honor the men and women who are taking the next step in

 

their careers at DOC, but I also personally celebrate and appreciate each- and-

 

every person in this room. Throughout the past few years and most definitely

 

during the long months of 2020, each of you have demonstrated just how

 

committed you are to making our city a safer place even under the most

 

challenging circumstances and uncertain times.

 

You ALL represent DOC’s success. When you come to work each day, you renew

 

your commitment to uphold the vision, mission and values of the organization.

 

 

Congratulations again to each of our promotees and appointees. I

 

wish you good health, happiness and long successful careers.

 

In closing, I’d like to leave you with this quote from Vince Lombardi, the

 

legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. “Perfection is not attainable, but if we

 

chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” 

 

Thank you.