The Austin Police Department is poised to swell its ranks with 39 fresh faces, as the 151st cadet class gears up for their transition from trainees to full-fledged officers this Friday. Slated to take place at The Bannockburn Church, the ceremony commences at a sharp 1 p.m., ready to mark a new chapter for the department and the city it serves.

Following a rigorous 32-week program that schooled them in everything from the nuances of legal issues to the physicality required for defensive tactics, these cadets are on the cusp of assuming the mantle of public servants. Crisis intervention, leadership, and community policing were part and parcel of an education designed to prepare them for the streets of Austin.

It'll be Interim Chief Henderson who'll have the honor of administering the Oath of Office, solemnly ushering in the next generation of APD officers. Meanwhile, select cadets will be singled out for their extraordinary commitment, receiving various awards as tokens of their hard-earned dedication and skill.

The ceremony isn't without it's invitation to the press—following the formalities, the APD administration, alongside staff and freshly minted officers, will be on hand for questions and interviews. It's a chance for these new graduates to get their first taste of the public eye, and for the community to get to know the individuals pledging to protect and serve.

For more details on the graduation ceremony, visit the official announcement at APD 151st Academy Graduates New Officers.