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. "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 |
Watch the video in low or high bandwidth |