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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 482-05
December 29, 2005

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 1,735 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police  Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,735 new police officers at Madison Square Garden. This is the seventh class of officers to join the Police Department since September 11, 2001, when 23 officers were lost.

"Today we welcome 1,735 men and women into ranks of New York's Finest," said Mayor Bloomberg. "They have the extraordinary responsibility of protecting our City and keeping New Yorkers safe and secure in this increasingly challenging world. For the past four years, the men and women of the NYPD have driven crime to historic lows - ensuring that America's safest big city is even safer. The NYPD has distinguished itself as the leader in fighting crime and combating terrorism and I am sure that his new class - with its strong credentials and talented pool of individuals - will continue this strong record of achievement."

"Our new Officers join one of the proudest traditions the City and the Nation have ever known," said Commissioner Kelly. "With their official entry into the ranks of the New York City Police Department, they become part of an organization that is inseparable from New York's history, and one whose members continue to leave their mark on history today."

This class is one of the most diverse to have ever graduated from the academy.  Approximately 29% of the graduates are Hispanic, 19% are black, 5% are Asian, 3% are other ethnicities, and 44% are white. Approximately 20% of the graduates are female.  Today's class is made up of 425 graduates who have received four-year college degrees; 283 have completed associates degrees; 16 have earned Master's degrees; and two have earned their doctoral degrees. Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions including 118 graduates who have served in the military. 

Mayor Bloomberg also presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Charles M. Mills for earning the highest overall average in the class.  Mills is the son of retired NYPD Chief Charles Mills who was killed on September 11, 2001. In addition, Police Officer Matthew I. Fromkin received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer Adam C. Georg received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officer Brian J. Daniels and Police Officer Jaline Bernier received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer Hugo Hugasian, Jr. received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average.

Police Officer William J. Singleton received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer David Taylor received the New York City Police Foundation Award for exceptional community service.

In addition, more than 1,200 members of the class were deployed during the transit strike to various locations citywide to provide additional security and traffic control. During that period, Police Officer Michael Dassler made his first arrest when he detained a would-be burglar who was attempting to rob Allstate Delivery Service on Third Avenue near 51st Street in Manhattan.

The graduates recently completed approximately seven 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.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler/Virginia Lam   (212) 788-2958

Paul Browne   (NYPD)
(646) 610-6700




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