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The Houston Police Department welcomed its 250th cadet class to the department, as graduating cadets officially earned their badges earlier this week.
Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted, sharing photos from the ceremony where he spoke to congratulate them.
“It is my hope and prayer that the good Lord will watch over our newest @houstonpolice officers,” Turner said in his tweet.
The officers will join the team at the Houston Police Department, serving the city known for its diversity.
“Our newest cadets are serving the most diverse city in this nation,” Turner wrote.
According to a WalletHub report released earlier this year, Houston earned its claim as the most diverse city and big city in the country. The report compared the 501 most populated cities measuring socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household and religious diversity.
“Our city is grateful for the service and sacrifices in serving our great city. Welcome HPD Cadet Class 250,” Turner added.
The graduating class consists of 41 men and women officially earning their badges, FOX 26 reports. The ceremony was attended by both Turner and Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner.
This marks the first cadet class under Finner, who was sworn into office April this year when then-Chief Art Acevedo transferred to the Miami Police Department, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle.
Prior to graduation, the cadets underwent a rigorous six-month academic and physical training program as part of HPD's Training Academy, the department website states. Upon graduation, the officers will enter into a six-month probation period and will be assigned to the Field Training Officer for 12-16 weeks, with their first duty assignment being work as a patrol officer.