Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn:

“I want to congratulate the more than 1,600 New Yorkers who were sworn in today to become the newest additions to New York’s Finest. Joining the NYPD is among the highest forms of public service, and the dedication and diversity of this group of recruits truly reflects all that makes our city great.

I’m also proud that the City Council was able to play a key role in protecting this class of police recruits as part of this year’s budget negotiations. The NYPD deserves tremendous credit for making our city the safest big city in America, and if we want to keep it that way, we need to give them every resource we can. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly for continuing to work with us to keep public safety a top priority in our City’s budget, and for all they do to keep New Yorkers safe.”