A New Field of Officers Graduate from Police Academy (Video Included)

“When your time comes, do what’s right, do it right, and do it because it’s the right thing to do.” Those were the words of wisdom given by Gwinnett County Police Department Chief Charles Walters to the newest crop of officers.

The graduates of the 82nd Police Academy were sworn-in as officers in a ceremony Thursday night at the .

The class of 34 men and women took part of an intensive 20-week program. This included more than 800 hours of physical and academic tests as well as learning how to shoot firearms and driving skills.

GCPD says this was their largest class in over ten years.

The next step for the new officers is being placed with Field Training Officers for on-the-job training.

For many of the graduates, becoming a police officer was their dream having grown up watching police movies and TV shows like “Cops.” “We said things like, ‘I wanna be a police officer one day,’ and  ‘Man, cops have an awesome job,’” Officer Ryan Dunlap told his fellow graduates. “Well, today that job is our job.”

For some graduates, they did not need to look far for inspiration to become a police officer. For example, Officer Timothy Burnett's badge was pinned by his brother, Officer Charles Burnett of the GCPD.

“Because of this man right here, he inspired me,” said Officer Brendon Schmitt as he gestured to his uncle, Officer Leahy of the Baltimore County (MD) Police Department.  Schmitt said he wanted to become a policeman because “It’s a good thing, it’s the right thing and it’s an exciting job.”

Leahy is happy his nephew following in his footsteps. “Just very proud of him, very, very proud of him,” said Leahy.  “And now I’m going to worry about him,” he laughed, “because I know what this job is.”