The Bridgeport Police Department held a graduation ceremony Tuesday for the police academy's 45th basic training class.

Twenty-three officers graduated at a ceremony held at Paier College. Mayor Joe Ganim, Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter and other local officials were on hand for the ceremony.

"I'm very happy," says Porter. "This is really about these young new officers, men and women who are becoming police officers, not only in Bridgeport but we have a Trumbull officer and a Seymour officer, and this is good for their families to be a part of it. They should be very proud. This is not an easy process to go through."

Porter says the department is hoping to start another class on Oct. 16.