YONKERS, N.Y. A small group of fresh-faced rookies received an opportunity three years in the making Thursday while a handful of grizzled veterans were recognized for their work.
Six men and one woman were sworn in as probationary members of the Yonkers Police Department during a ceremony inside the Will Library auditorium.
Another four highly decorated officers were promoted to various ranks as their friends and family proudly looked on during the ceremony.
You have now become members of a noble profession, Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner told the newest members of the force. Your life as you know it will never be the same. You will be held to a higher standard.
Mayor Mike Spano congratulated the newcomers and praised the promoted officers for the work they have done. Spano noted several members of his family, including his brother, serve in the department and said he understands the risks and rewards that come with the position.
I know full well the pride but also the fear they had every single day because of the job that it is that you do, he said. Each and every day, you go out there and make a difference.
Like many of the freshly minted members, David Lopez said Thursday was something he had been looking forward to for a while after taking the police exam in 2009.
This means a lot to me, he said. I've served in the military and I wanted the opportunity to serve my community.
Soon after his wife, Jenilsa, presented Lopez with his shield, the Iraqi war veteran said he hopes his time in the military prepared him for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
I dont think I can go through any worse than what I've already been through, he said. But well take a wait-and-see approach.
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