Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,365 new police officers at Madison Square Garden.  This is the third class of officers to join the Police Department since September 11, 2001, when 23 officers were lost.

"I am honored to welcome the newest members of New York's Finest," Mayor Bloomberg said.  "Over the last seven months, these men and women have demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication while preparing themselves to protect the people of our great City.  Today, they are assuming one of the noblest and most important duties:  the protection of the safety, and even the lives, of our fellow New Yorkers.  I am confident that today's graduates will help the NYPD immensely in keeping the peace and driving crime down to record lows."

"This is a proud day for the New York City Police Department," said Commissioner Kelly.  "Today, we welcome over 1300 highly-trained and skilled new police officers to our ranks.  They can be expected to make an immediate impact on the safety and quality of life of our City.  I congratulate each of our graduates on completing their Police Academy training and on choosing to serve as a member of the NYPD."

Many of today's graduates, while still at the academy, were called into action earlier than expected when they were asked to help during this summer's blackout.  In one instance, several recruits were mobilized when a Long Island Rail Road train was stranded between the Woodside and Forest Hills stations by comforting passengers and assisting in evacuating the train. Many cadets volunteered to walk to the Woodside station to buy food and water for passengers who had to wait for help in evacuating.

Today's class is made up of 360 graduates who have received four-year college degrees, 327 who have completed associates degrees, 21 with Master's degrees and one with a Doctoral degree.  Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions, and include attorneys, EMTs, paralegals, paramedics, stockbrokers, teachers, and an airline pilot.  101 graduates have served in the military.  This year's class is also one of the more ethnically diverse in the history of the Police Department.  Approximately 25% of the graduates are Hispanic, roughly 16% are black, about 7% are Asian or other ethnicities, and 52% are white.  Approximately 16% of the graduates are female.

Mayor Bloomberg also presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Peter A. Gibbons for earning the highest overall average in the class.  In addition, Seth A. Lynch received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average; Police Officer Eduardo J. Silva received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average; Police Officer Michael J. Fisher received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average; Police Officer Kingsley F. Wiggan received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average; Police Officer William J. Warren received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant; and Police Officers Michael J. Braccia, Brendan P. Heapes and Brendan J. McSharry received New York City Police Foundation Awards for exceptional community service.

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.