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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 307-09
July 2, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 256 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

Class is Among Most Experienced in Academy’s History

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 256 new police officers at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The graduates recently completed over six months of intensive training at the Police Academy in various field assignments. The new officers will be assigned to Operation Impact, the program that pairs rookie officers with experienced supervisors and deploys them to targeted high-crime areas.

"When the national recession began last year, many people feared that crime would begin to climb again," said Mayor Bloomberg. "But our Finest proved them wrong. They've continued to drive down crime - another 12 percent so far this year. Murders - which hit a record low in 2007, and a near-record low in 2008  - are now down 20 percent compared to last year. To today's graduates: we will do everything in our power to make sure that you stay safe, by continuing to provide you with the best leadership, training, and equipment. Congratulations to you and your families on this joyous day."

"Having taken a sworn oath, members of today's class assume the full responsibility of being a New York City Police Officer and join a team that continues to drive down crime to historic lows, while defending New York from a terrorist threat," said Commissioner Kelly. "We know that each of them will build on the department's achievements."

This class is among the most experienced to have ever graduated from the academy. Approximately 27 percent of the graduates served as Police Cadets prior to entering the Police Academy, and approximately 10 percent of the class served in the United States Military.

Mayor Bloomberg presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Kevin Butt for earning the highest overall average in today's class. In addition, Police Officer Erick Erdaide received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer Kevin Butt also received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officers Edward Stine and Rachel Cresswell received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer Jason Cheng received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average. Police Officer Jason Guzman received the Commanding Officer's Award for exceptional police duty. Police Officer Anthony Digerolamo received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer Lauren Herbert received the New York City Police Foundation Award for exceptional community service.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Jason Post   (212) 788-2958

Paul Browne   (Police)
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