LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — 26 men and women are now ready to protect and serve after graduating from The Lackawanna College Police Academy Tuesday night.
"It was a long journey. We started January 10th with 26 people who did not know each other; by July, we were best friends," said Class Sergeant Jason Alers.
The ceremony for class 262 saw the college's theater filled with cadets, family, and one special guest speaker.
"My advice to you is to remember you're representing yourselves, your family, your police departments, and police officers across this nation," said Detective Kyle Gilmartin.
He was shot twice in the head back on January 11th while investigating a shots-fired incident in the city's west side.
That shooting happened just a day after class 262 began.
"He's someone who makes you want to get into this field," said Alers. "He is someone personally for me made me is the reason why I am here."
"His journey has become our journey," said Sean Braddock another one of the classes Sergeants. "We've lived vicariously through him through updates."
Gilmartin's message and sacrifice will continue to play a huge role in the future careers of the newest members to wear the badge.
"We really came together as a class even more so after that I think and having him here tonight just solidified why we're doing this," said class Lieutenant Lauren Dunleavy.
"He's just been a role model for what we hope to become, and in perseverance, and just sticking to it basically," said Braddock. "He taught us all a lot."