Shout Out: Officer Matthew Braun

By Jack Schilling

I would like to recognize Officer Matthew Braun for his excellence in interpersonal communications and relations that he models each day. I have had the pleasure of working with Braun on several occasions but none of them prepared me for the experience that I had with him one night in segregation.

The night that I was scheduled in segregation, Braun was saddled with two newer utility staff and one overtime fill-in who, though familiar with the unit, was not a usual 3rd watch staff and was not completely fluid in the 3rd watch schedule for the unit. I had not worked in segregation for months and the other utility staff was usually assigned a different post, so, we were both in need of remedial instruction/reminders on everything that was unique to Seg.

When two IPs arrived at the unit for processing Braun was amazingly calm, concise and patient as he walked us through what each of us needed to do from the time they hit the segregation door, to the placement of evidence in custody. Braun never appeared frustrated or irritated by the fact that he had to manage the post and provide training as well. Several times he had to repeat steps for clarification or if one of us wasn't quite sure of what he had said or what exactly needed to be done, yet the whole time Braun gently encouraged us and never let us doubt our skills as an officer or our ability to be successful.

Braun is the perfect example of a well-rounded team member and leader. He is a delight to work with and assists with growing the skills of those around him whenever he can. Thank you Braun for showcasing the officer image that should be shown by all of us on a daily basis.