23 New Officers Sworn In By Oakland Police Department

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor Libby Schaaf welcomed 23 new police officers at a graduation ceremony for the Police Department's 182nd Basic Recruit Academy on Friday.

The new officers were greeted by cheers from family members and friends who attended the ceremony at the Scottish Rite Center near Lake Merritt.

Kirkpatrick thanked the graduates' families and loved ones for supporting them during their difficult training at the six-month-long academy.

"Remember, we are the community, there is a time and place for enforcement, but your first mission is peace keeping," Kirkpatrick said, according to a statement released by the Police Department.

Kirkpatrick told the new officers, "Remember to guard your heart,be strong and courageous."

Most of the new officers received their badges from Kirkpatrick, but two had their badges pinned on by family members who had served in law enforcement.

Officer Marcus Easley's badge was pinned by his father, retired Vallejo Officer Wes Easley, and Officer Kendall Rowley's badge was pinned by his father, retired Oakland police Sgt. Mark Rowley.

— Bay City News