Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik today presided over the graduation ceremony of 1,121 new members of the New York City Police Department at Madison Square Garden. A number of today's graduates are carrying on a family tradition by joining the ranks of the New York City Police Department, while still others are embarking on second or third careers. Among the members of the May 2000 class are a nurse, an architect, a lawyer, a firefighter, an aircraft mechanic, a border patrol agent and a number of EMTs.

"As Police Officers, you will be -- in the most fundamental sense -- civil rights workers," the Mayor said. "You will be the guardians of your City's hopes and dreams. As the heroes of tomorrow, your fellow New Yorkers will look to you, not only to preserve the peace, but also to provide a personal example of excellence and integrity. It is an expectation that I know you will do your best to meet and exceed."

"And so on behalf of a grateful and admiring City, I congratulate you on your graduation from the academy and your formal entry into the ranks of the greatest law enforcement agency in the world -- New York's Finest -- the New York City Police Department," the Mayor continued.

Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik said, "Today is a great day for the NYPD, but an even better day for the City of New York. The 2001 Graduating Police Academy class represents the most diverse in the City's history -- 1,121 committed and energized individuals eager to continue the incredible success in the fight against crime that marks the past seven years. With courage, determination and compassion, I know you are ready to serve your communities and help bring this City to even greater heights."

Several outstanding graduates were recognized at the ceremony. Kelly Kilfeather received the Mayor's Award, given to the graduate with the highest overall average. The Police Commissioner's Award for the highest academic average was awarded to Marc Burkhardt. The Chief of Personnel Award for the highest physical achievement while in training was awarded to Ryan Tomanio.

Today's graduates have completed approximately eight months of training at the Police Academy and in the field. They will be assigned to the Transit Division, and to Housing and Patrol Service Bureaus citywide, where they will work to reduce crime beyond the 63 percent decline in overall crime since 1993. Over 50% of the graduates are minorities, compared with 44.4% of the last graduating class, and over 62% are City residents

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