123 New Chicago Police Recruits Graduate

The Chicago Police Department welcomed 123 new officers at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

The ceremony marked the eighth class of new recruits to the department this year bringing the total number of new officers to 512, according to a police news release. 

“Our dedicated officers are committed to serving and protecting our communities and neighborhoods. They are the backbone of public safety and I congratulate today’s graduates for joining their ranks,” said Mayor Emanuel in a statement. 

The new class of recruits features 27 military veterans, including a Bronze Star recipient and a Purple Heart recipient, police said.

Of those graduating, 21 came from multi-generational police families. One of those retired officers present was Sergeant James Concannon, a 97-year-old Navy veteran who served in WWII who attended the ceremony to watch his grandson graduate, according to police.

“These men and women have chosen the noblest of professions and dedicated themselves to serve and protect our communities,” Superintendent Garry McCarthy said in a statement. 

Next up for the graduates is a field training program where they will work as probationary officers. After they complete the program and earn 13 months of field experience they become full officers.