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47 New Philadelphia Police Officers Sworn In in North Philadelphia

by Mike Dougherty

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Police Department today welcomed 47 new officers in a graduation ceremony on Temple University's main campus.

These young men and women are about to embark on an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous journey, with the mission to serve and protect.  Deputy police commissioner Richard Ross reminded them to stay the course and be strong.

"They have to be mindful of the fact that most people really care about them, want them to be there, and need them," he said afterward.

"We're all very eager to get out there and try to make the streets a better place," said Chris Kearns (second row left in photo), who graduated second in his class.  "It's something I've always wanted to do, and I'm very passionate about it."

His mother, Susan Kearns, got choked up when we asked what it was like to watch her boy get sworn in as a Philadelphia police officer.

"The pride and the joy is just indescribable," she said.  "It's a wonderful moment. I couldn't be happier for him!"

Most of the new officers will start out on foot patrol.

 

 

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