Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Holds Graduation Ceremony for Basic Recruit Class 23-02
Pittsburgh, PA – On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, a graduation ceremony was held at the Community College of Allegheny County, as 15 members from Basic Recruit Class 23-02 became the newest officers to join the ranks of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
The group began their 33 weeks of intensive classroom training on November 8, 2023.
Training Academy Commander William Fleske welcomed family and friends and congratulated the new officers on meeting every challenge that was presented to them during their time in the academy, and he assured them that they are ready for their new careers.
Chief of Police Larry Scirotto addressed the new officers, reminding them that what they do as police officers, matters...and that they play a critical role in keeping communities safe and keeping the city welcoming and thriving.
"I believe our profession has the ability and the opportunity to change the world. If we do it right we can impact this world and our profession in such a different way. We can influence each other in such a meaningful way, unlike the ones before you. And so, recognizing the the role in which you sit, and the career in which you have... you can actually change the world," said Scirotto.
Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt congratulated and commended the group for answering the call to serve and for striving to be the difference-makers communities deserve.
"Policing is not merely a profession, it's a vocation; a commitment to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery in the face of adversity. You are entering a profession that demands courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society," said Schmidt.
Before administering the Oath of Office in lieu of Mayor Ed Gainey, Deputy Mayor of Pittsburgh Jake Pawlak impressed upon the group that their mission as police officers is both a heavy burden and a sacred trust granted to them on the promise to use their authority wisely, judiciously, and compassionately.
“You are entering this profession at a time of uncertainty when the public at large wrestles with the question of what role they want police to play now and in the future, said Pawlak.
"To that end, you must know that the directive of Mayor Gainey is crystal clear; your first priority is to establish and maintain safety for the public, your fellow officers, and yourselves."
Beginning Monday, June 17, the new officers begin approximately 12 weeks of supervised field training in their assigned duty locations.
Congratulations to all of the new officers and welcome to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police family!
Christopher Bowles
Timothy Burns
Russell Christiana Jr.
Alphonsus Corcoran
Kevin Costa
Rebecca Crawford
Sarah Green
Adam Klingman
Joseph Kopp
Jacob Kosuda
Steven Lentz
Cornell Mickens
Joseph Mowod
Jonathan Sackner
Dalton Swearingen
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