Mayor Adams, Commissioner Caban welcome new NYPD recruits

Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban delivered remarks at the New York City Police Department (NYPD) recruit graduation ceremony, welcoming the latest class of police officers to the force. The ceremony was marked by a mix of solemn remembrance and celebratory optimism as the city welcomed its newest guardians of public safety.

Commissioner Caban began by paying tribute to Police Officer Edgar Ordonez, whose unexpected passing last week left a void within the NYPD. “Edgar was taken far too soon,” Caban stated, emphasizing the impact Ordonez had on his colleagues and the community. The Commissioner acknowledged Ordonez’s family, who were present at the ceremony, expressing the department’s ongoing support and gratitude.

Caban then addressed the new recruits, highlighting the critical role they will play in maintaining the safety and security of New York City. “The safety and security of millions of people is now your responsibility,” he said. He noted the NYPD’s recent achievements, including significant reductions in major crimes and the removal of over 17,000 illegal guns from the streets since 2022. He also celebrated the diversity of the graduating class, which includes members from 33 different countries and speakers of more than a dozen languages.

Mayor Adams took a moment to personally greet Officer Ordonez’s family, drawing on his own experiences in law enforcement to share their grief. He recounted a personal story of a near-fatal incident during his time as a sergeant, underscoring the dangers faced by police officers and the emotional toll it takes on their families.

Adams spoke about the distinction between anger and hate, emphasizing that while anger can motivate positive change, hate leads to destruction. “Your job is more than just stopping bad guys,” Adams told the new officers. “Your job is to identify those who are on the pathway of that hate.” He urged the graduates to remember their duty in protecting the American Dream and the values it represents.

In closing, Adams lauded the NYPD as the greatest police department in the world, in the greatest city in the world. He reminded the graduates of the significant responsibility they bear and congratulated them on their achievement.

The ceremony concluded with applause for the new officers, their families, and the training staff who prepared them for this important role. As they embark on their careers, the new recruits were reminded of their duty to uphold public safety and the values that make New York City a beacon of hope and opportunity.