At a time when police departments across the country are facing a hiring crisis, the Bridgeport Police Department swore in its biggest class of new recruits in over a decade Thursday night, city officials said.

"We were proud to swear in 30 new police recruits, bringing us very close to our goal of hiring 100 new officers by the end of the year," said Mayor Joe Ganim.

Ettea Newton, 30, of Stratford, is one of the new recruits.

"I have been preparing for this moment my entire life -- and it felt amazing," said Newton.

Newton said she is well aware of the crisis facing police departments nationally, with many young people "turned off" by the idea of becoming a police officer amid widespread backlash surrounding the profession in the wake of several high-profile police shootings.

"People are going to say what they want to say, and that's their right -- but when they call 911, and need help, they're grateful for the assistance," said Newton.

A third of the Bridgeport Police Department's new recruits are females, and the entire class is among the most diverse on record, city officials said.