From Crisis Calls To Community Care: Local Sergeant Earns Statewide Honor For Going The Extra Mile

Whether it’s serving as a military officer or stepping up as a first responder, it takes a rare combination of dedication, resilience and heart to take on these roles. And for many of these individuals, that same drive carries over into life beyond the badge.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight active-duty military members, veterans and first responders who continue to lead, inspire and give back in meaningful ways across their communities.

Sergeant Cassandra Branch of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office has spent more than two decades proving that real service extends far beyond the uniform. This commitment earned her the recognition of the American Legion Department of Virginia’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2022, according to The Zebra.

From Old Town to Del Ray and beyond, Branch is known for going the extra mile — whether she’s training new deputies, leading the award-winning Honor Guard or lending her expertise on the Sheriff’s Employee Advisory Committee, which she once led as president.

With a degree in social work and training in crisis intervention and American Sign Language, Branch meets people where they are, especially in moments of crisis. Off duty, she continues to uplift her neighbors by volunteering with organizations that help people who are blind or have low vision, including teaching exercise classes to keep residents active and connected.

Branch’s story is a reminder that law enforcement can be a bridge between community and care, and that real leadership is about lifting others up, on duty and off.

Want to learn more? Read the full article highlighting the 2022 American Legion Department of Virginia’s awards ceremony on The Zebra.

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