In a ceremony held at the Police Academy in Queens on Wednesday, nearly 1,000 new recruits graduated to become full-fledged police officers with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The graduates included several individuals who have personal ties to the September 11 attacks.
Among them was Casey Kloepfer, whose father, Officer Ronald Kloepfer, died in the line of duty on 9/11. Kloepfer wore his father's shield as a symbol of remembrance and dedication during the ceremony. His mother kept his father's Class A dress uniform preserved in a closet for years.
Another graduate with a 9/11 connection is Erica Tierney, whose uncle, NYPD Officer Stephen Driscoll died on that day. Her father, a retired NYPD sergeant, pinned her badge at the ceremony.
Christian Leon also graduated and has a personal connection to law enforcement. Five years ago, he was involved in a car accident where an off-duty NYPD officer pulled him from his wrecked vehicle before it exploded. The officer who saved his life, Det. James Fares, attended the ceremony and pinned Leon's badge on his chest.
The graduates will now begin their careers as police officers in New York City.