Mayor Kenney, Commissioner Ross Attend First Police Academy Graduation Ceremony In New Roles
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's Mayor and Police Commissioner attended their first Police Academy graduation ceremony on the Temple University campus, after their recent election and appointment. They may be new in their official capacities, but both are familiar with the protocol.
Mayor Jim Kenney has some advice for the 38 graduates of the Philadelphia Police Academy.
"The most effective way to work for the community is to work with the community," said Kenney.
The mayor, as the son of a firefighter, was humbled to stand before the class of newly sworn uniformed officers, as well as the families that support them.
"And every single day that I saw my dad wear that uniform, I was just bursting with pride," said Kenney.
Commissioner Richard Ross has already put in 25 years of service in the department, including the last 10 years as deputy commissioner. Ross told the new officers their oath to "protect and serve" includes more than just arresting bad people.
"You will realize very shortly that you do more serving than all that exciting stuff you see on TV," said Ross.
Each recruit class dedicates its work to the memory of an officer lost in the line of duty. Class 374's academic achievement award winner and Valedictorian, Officer Michelle Arrigo remembered Officer James Ramp. He was the SWAT team member shot and killed in the 1978 conflict with members of the radical group, MOVE.
"Officer Ramp to me, represents the spirit of a true hero, and demonstrates what it really means to be a police officer."
The new officers created and sold Class 374 coins and patches, and raised more than $3,000 to donate to the Fraternal Order of Police Survivor Fund to help the families of those who died in the line of duty.
The fallen officer's daughter-in-law and two grandchildren attended the ceremony, along with Ramp's partner, a retired officer.