Twenty-two cadets graduated Thursday from the police academy in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who has made public safety a top budget priority in his administration, said the new police officers will fill vacancies that resulted from a rash of recent retirements.
Earlier this summer, following a spike in gun violence, Sarno asked for additional state police patrols in Springfield. The Massachusetts Legislature approved a supplemental state budget that earmarked $100, 000 for public safety in Springfield.
