APD brings in new officers

ALBANY — There is some new blood now serving with the Albany Police Department.

At a swearing-in ceremony at the APD Law Enforcement Center on Monday evening, there were 12 academy graduates who were officially welcomed to the agency’s ranks.

“They have been sacrificing a lot over the last several months,” said Capt. Tracey Barnes of the APD Uniform Bureau regarding the new graduates Monday. “They’ve still got some months to go, but (in the end) you will see positive results.”

The swearing-in was attended by a few community officials, including City Manager James Taylor, as well as family members of the new recruits.

Lt. Cathy Gervin of the APD Support Services Bureau, while introducing the graduates, noted that they had endured 400 advanced training hours in recent months prior to them joining the police department.

“They put in a lot of sweat and tears into it, but they have made it,” Gervin said.

APD Chief John Proctor pinned badges on the new officers as their family members lined up to take photos. Proctor guided them through the oath, which each of the 12 had already officially done at the city clerk’s office.

After the oath, Proctor had the recruits face their family members before having their pins placed on them by their loved ones.

At this point, the police chief made a few closing remarks.

“This is a very important occasion,” Proctor said. “I need you to know that these people have made a choice, which includes sacrifice and giving. This is just the beginning, and I thank them for making this choice. This is a noble profession.

“This is a long journey they have accepted. It’s a journey we hope will assist us in becoming a world class organization.”