Photos: APD Academy graduates 23

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The Honorable J. Patrick Hanley administers the oath at an Anchorage Police Department Academy graduation on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Wendy Williamson Auditorium at UAA. The 23 new officers now move on to 19 weeks of field training.

Twenty-three new officers were recognized at an Anchorage Police Department Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, March 26, 2015, in Wendy Williamson Auditorium at UAA. The officers now move on to 19 weeks of field training.

"You will see the best of the human condition, and you will see the worst of the human condition, often in the same shift," Chief Mark Mew told them. He added, "Public trust is the essential ingredient for us to succeed."

Graduates received certificates and badges, and some earned individual awards. Capt. Dave Koch in closing remarks told the graduates, "The badge on your chest weighs less than three ounces. It doesn't stop bullets or make you a superhero. It makes you a public servant."

The next academy begins in May.