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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 013-05
January 7, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 1,591 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,591 new police officers at Madison Square Garden. This is the fifth class of officers to join the Police Department since September 11, 2001, when 23 officers were lost.

“Today we welcome almost 1,600 new officers into the greatest police department in the world,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Our newest officers join a department that has consistently driven crime down to record lows and last year recorded the lowest number of homicides since 1963.  The new officers are assuming one of the noblest and most important duties in our city – protecting the safety and lives of their fellow New Yorkers.  I am confident that today’s graduates will help the NYPD in keeping the peace and keeping New York City the safest big City in America.”

“The members of this Police Academy class are among the best trained and best prepared new police officers in our history,” said Commissioner Kelly.  “In addition to the expert instruction they received in the Academy, they were a key part of one of the largest security details ever assembled last August during the Republican National Convention.  While gaining valuable patrol experience, they helped their fellow officers to preserve the peace throughout the city.  Now, they will apply their skills and experience to our ongoing initiatives to drive crime down even further and protect New York City from the threat of global terrorism.  This is a great day for the Police Department and for all New Yorkers.”

Today’s class is made up of 422 graduates who have received four-year college degrees; 225 have completed associates degrees; 9 have earned Master’s degrees. Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions and include teachers, EMTs, paralegals, paramedics, aircraft mechanics and an attorney.  104 graduates have served in the military.  Approximately 26% of the graduates are Hispanic, 15% are black, 7% are Asian or other ethnicities, and 52% are white. Approximately 15% of the graduates are female.

Mayor Bloomberg also presented the Mayor’s Award to Police Officer Dawit Fikru for earning the highest overall average in the class.  In addition, Police Officer Mary Deacy received the Police Commissioner’s Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer John Catapano and Police Officer Francis T. Siracusa received the First Deputy Commissioner’s Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officer Recardo Demetrius received the Chief of Department’s Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer Michael Vincenzi received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average. Police Officer Stephen E. Phillips received the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer Jonathan Zak 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.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958



GENERAL CONTACT:

Paul Browne   (Police Department)
(646) 610-6700


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