BAPD Honors Dallas Officers At Graduation Ceremony

In the wake of all the recent shootings, Broken Arrow's Police Academy graduated eight officers Friday night.

Friends, family and officers all gathered at NSU Broken Arrow to show their support for the new graduates, but also those lost in Dallas.

After months of training, the Broken Arrow Police Department added new officers to its ranks at the graduation ceremony.

But before they walked across the stage, there was a pause to remember the lives lost in Dallas after a shooter opened fire on officers Thursday night, killing five and injuring 12.

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David Boggs, Broken Arrow's police chief, stressed how much the community loves its officers.

"Certainly, what happened yesterday weighs heavily on everybody's heart and it's on their minds, but tonight's a night of celebration for these young men and women, and we want to make sure their community loves them, supports them and their police department family supports them as well," he said.

The eight recruits have worked hard to prepare for every situation they may face out on the streets.

Officer Danny James just got married a week ago, but said he’s ready to serve even after the tragedy in Texas.

"It's just important to stay close and keep your family close too; not just your department, your spouses, moms, dads, children, all that. Just work together, be strong, help anybody out we can," James said.

The Broken Arrow Police Department is holding an academy this October, of the 125 who applied only 10 will be hired.