[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO SANDRA R. MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Sandra R. 
Martin.
  Born to Rita and Theodore P. Martin, Ms. Martin is one of seven 
children. She grew up in a very loving and nurturing environment and 
was spiritually fortified at St. Charles Borromeo R.C. Church. Ms. 
Martin was born and raised in Harlem and attended New York City Public 
Schools throughout her formative educational years. She spent her high 
school years working as a Senior Counselor at St. Ambrose Community 
Center, a Unit Clerk Assistant at Cabrini Health Care Center and a 
teacher's assistant at Chama Child Development Center, where she worked 
with special needs children.
  Upon graduation from Mabel Dean Bacon Vocational High School, Ms. 
Martin enrolled at Long Island University, C.W. Post College. She 
majored majored in Criminal Justice and minored in Sociology; she was 
also a charter member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Kappa 
Chapter. Due to her academic success, she earned placement on the 
Dean's List, received the Presidential Merit Award, and garnered 
multiple graduate studies scholarships. Upon completion of her studies 
at LIU, Ms. Martin was employed at Downstate Medical Center as the 
Night Administrator then as the Assistant Director of Operations.
  Ms. Martin had a long career in Criminal Justice. She started as a 
Case Manager, preparing cases for alternatives to incarceration. She 
later served as an investigator for the Department of Buildings, 
conducting surveillances to monitor City employees and contractors. For 
the next 20 years, Ms. Martin served as a member of the New York City 
Department of Correction. During her academy training, she was one of 
two officers selected as company leader for her squad. While the inmate 
population proved to be difficult and unyielding, she was able to work 
effectively with inmates by utilizing her problem solving and human 
relations skills to subjugate potentially violent situations. Her 
diligence, professionalism and interpersonal skills earned recognition 
from the department's institutional division and gang intelligence 
unit. Ms. Martin was promoted to Captain in 2001, and provided 
supervision to a staff of 25 officers; she eventually empowered five 
officers to take promotional exams and become captains themselves. Ms. 
Martin was respected by her peers, higher ranking officers and the 
inmate population, who often sought her advice.
  Ms. Martin recently retired from the New York City Department of 
Correction. Now she likes to work behind the scenes without fanfare. 
Ms. Martin is tireless in her efforts to assist those in need. She 
thanks God for all blessings bestowed upon her and looks forward to 
continued service to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
of Ms. Sandra R. Martin.

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