20 new officers sworn in and begin patrol with Lexington Police Department

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Twenty new officers are officially hitting the streets in Lexington after being sworn in and completing nearly six months of training with the Lexington Police Department.

Mayor Linda Gorton administered the oath of office as part of the department’s latest graduation class. The group originally began with 26 recruits, before finishing with 20 officers.

Officer Jackson Heineman says joining the department has been a long-time goal.

“I’ve known for a long time and I’ve known a couple of officers. They were good to me and I always kind of wanted to be like them. I didn’t really know what it was until I got to school and then I realized that I wanted to be them, essentially.”

Officer Audriana Christopher says the academy pushed her in every way possible.

“It wasn’t just one certain point, it was periodically throughout the academy. It’s tough physically, mentally and emotionally, but it definitely teaches you that you can persevere.”

During the 26-week academy, recruits trained in a wide range of areas, including defensive tactics, firearms qualifications, community policing and mental health response. The department says the demanding training is designed to prepare officers for the challenges they will face on patrol.

Family members were also on hand to celebrate the milestone.

“It meant a lot. I know he put a lot of time and dedication into this. We had a good time watching him and we know he’ll do really good. He’s a great guy, big on discipline. So I’m looking forward to seeing him do some big things as a police officer,” said a close friend of Heineman.

Both Heineman and Christopher say their families worry about their safety, but remain proud of the work they have put in to serve the Lexington community.