On Thursday the largest recruit class since 1998 graduated from the Lexington Police Department’s Training Center and became sworn officers with the Department.
Their new boss, Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard told them to expect a difficult but rewarding career. “It is not a right to wear this badge, it is a privilege bestowed upon you by the community you will serve. Remember the traits that got you here today; dedication, sacrifice, service and discipline. Remember all those. In you we all invest our future. We empower you to protect and serve all the citizens of Lexington”
Lexington’s Police Department officer training academy is 32-weeks, the longest in the state. This group will be patrolling just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and are part of the additional officers Mayor Jim Gray vowed to include in the budget for increased public safety.