Officer Martin Continues MLK’s Legacy Through Community Service

In honor of this year’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we recognize NYCDOC Officer Martin for his exceptional community service.
  
Officer Martin noted that helping to make a difference in the community was instilled in him by his parents as a kid growing up in Southeast Queens. That lesson guided him throughout his life, especially when he made the very bold decision nearly 17 years ago to become a New York City Correction Officer.

On Rikers Island, he has not only helped to keep young men at the Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) safe, he has also assisted with programs that provide them with education and training to achieve a brighter future.

Martin is also the President of Almighty Force Basketball, a non-profit organization in his childhood neighborhood that provides kids ages 3-18 with basketball training and competition. Initiatives within this organization also feature career days and mentoring with New York City uniformed officers to help build a bond with city youth and inspire them to work in public service.

“My parents led community work for many years in our city and just seeing their passion for helping others, I feel like I was destined to do the same. This is a calling for me and I’m paying it forward,” said Martin, who now works in our Construction Management Unit (CMU). “Developing a rapport with the youth to motivate them and teach them that we’re here to help them succeed has been super rewarding for me. We utilize basketball to teach life lessons and we have about 170 kids participating in the program. We want them to have fun playing basketball and learn about teamwork, but also know that with hard work they can be successful in life and give back to their community as well.”

Today, and every day, we thank hero Officer Martin and all of our hero Correction Officers for their continuous efforts to positively impact the lives of others in DOC’s facilities and throughout the five boroughs.

Our Department is hiring for more New Yorkers to help make a difference in city jails and be a role model in the community. Register today for NYC Citywide Administrative Services Correction Officer Exam #5301 by clicking here.