Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,213 new police officers at Madison Square Garden. This is the eighth class of officers to join the Police Department since September 11, 2001, when 23 officers were lost. This class is one of the most diverse to have ever graduated from the academy.  Approximately 31% of the graduates are Hispanic, 17% are black, 7% are Asian, 1% are other ethnicities, and 44% are white. Approximately 20% of the graduates are female.  Today's class is made up of 250 graduates who have received four-year college degrees; 187 have completed associates degrees; 10 have earned Master's degrees; and two are working towards their doctoral degrees. More than 90% of the class has had some college education. Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions including 92 graduates who have served in the military. 

"New York City remains America's safest big city because of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the NYPD," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Today you become part of that strong tradition of service and join the ranks of New York's Finest. You have the extraordinary responsibility of protecting our City and keeping New Yorkers safe and secure at a very challenging time in our history. The NYPD has distinguished itself as the leader in fighting crime and combating terrorism and I am sure that this new class will continue this strong record of achievement."

"Today's graduating class is testament once more to the incredibly high levels of talent, diversity, and experience of our recruits that is the essence of the Police Department's success," said Commissioner Kelly. "Having completed the world's best law enforcement training, they are ready to assume their duties.  Our new Police Officers are to be commended for their selfless choice to serve the public and protect New York City at a time when we need them most."

Mayor Bloomberg also presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Joseph Perrotto for earning the highest overall average in the class.  Police Officer Brian S. Sheil received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer Johnny Wong received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officer Casey A. Lunt and Police Officer Charmaine E. Carryl-Hockaday received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer Nathan Cavada received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average.

Police Officer Ryan M. Finlay received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer Jose Santana received the New York City Police Foundation Award for exceptional community service.

The graduates recently completed approximately six months of training at the Police Academy in various field assignments.  The new officers will be assigned to various commands throughout the City, including the Patrol Services Bureau, Housing Bureau, and Transit Division.