Bushwick Family Residence, a transitional shelter in Bushwick housing 87 families, and Community Council President Barbara Smith celebrated Women's History Month on Tuesday by recognizing two women leaders serving the Brooklyn community.
NYPD Assistant Chief and Commander in Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Judith R. Harrison and New York City Department of Education Liaison for Bushwick Family Residence Jeanette Wright were celebrated in an outdoor ceremony at the Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA) run residence.
In a press release, VOA said one of the first things Harrison did when she was named commander of Brooklyn North was help deliver presents to the children residing at the shelter during the holidays.
"Both staff and residents were so appreciative, and they were even more so when Chief Harrison returned the following month to provide lunch for the entire shelter. Such acts of kindness mean a great deal to the families residing at the shelter and also demonstrate the Chief's commitment to strengthening relations and open communication between the community and law enforcement," the release said.
Harrison also received a special award for her dedication to the Brooklyn community and her historic achievement as the first woman serving as commanding officer in North Brooklyn, in honor of Mae C. Jemison, the engineer, physician and former NASA astronaut who was the first Black woman to travel to space.
Wright was honored for being an "exceptional ally to staff and residents at the Bushwick residence."
"She has provided unwavering support to the families at the shelter who have children in the NYC Public School system, helping them navigate the children's education throughout the pandemic," the press release said, adding Wright supported children and families, no matter what obstacles there may be.
Bushwick Family Residence Program Director Anton Nimblett said the residence was extremely grateful for the partnerships Volunteers of America-Greater New York formed with the Bushwick community, "that allow us to better serve our families and feel a real part of the neighborhood."
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said the NYPD was honored to have Harrison serve in the Department, and to see her work in the community recognized.
"Her many roles in the NYPD, including her current historic position as the first female Black Commanding Officer in Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, continue to impact individuals both inside and outside of the Department."
