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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 511-08
December 30, 2008

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 1,129 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

Class is Among Most Diverse in Academy's History

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,129 new police officers 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.
 
"With just one more day to go in 2008, crime is down nearly four percent this year as opposed to last," said Mayor Bloomberg. "It's down in our schools, in our subways, in our public housing in every borough and in nearly every major category. Since 2001, the NYPD has reduced crime by nearly 30 percent, now it will be up to you to build on that record of success. There is no more important and necessary responsibility in our democracy than keeping our citizens safe. We will do everything to make sure that you stay safe, too - by continuing to provide the best leadership, training, and equipment."

"Today's class reflects once again the remarkable caliber and diversity of New York City's newest police officers," said Commissioner Kelly. "At a time of great economic challenge for the City and the nation, we are very fortunate to have such talented young people who are willing to answer the call to public service. And with nearly a quarter of recruits born in foreign countries, 55 nations in total, the NYPD is better prepared than ever to meet the needs of the City's dynamic and ever-changing international population."

This class is among the most diverse to have ever graduated from the academy. Approximately 28 percent of the graduates are Hispanic, 12 percent are black, 8 percent are Asian and 49 percent are white. Approximately 16 percent of the graduates are female. Today's class is made up of 275 graduates who have received four-year college degrees; 205 have completed associates degrees. Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions including 158 graduates who have served in the military.

Mayor Bloomberg presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Carlyle R. Mason for earning the highest overall average in today's class. In addition, Police Officer Michael A. Relf received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer Ryan D. Baer received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officers Leila P. Thompson and Jose M. Ramos received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer Gregg Sanfilippo received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average. Police Officers Joel A. Bolivar and Edreweene Raymond received the Commanding Officer's Award for exceptional police duty. Police Officer Henry H. Ko received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer Erik R. Tarnoc received the New York City Police Foundation Award for exceptional community service.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Jason Post   (212) 788-2958

Paul Browne   (Police)
(646) 610-6700




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