MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department has 38 new officers as of Dec. 12. 

Those recruits marched in for their graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Mayor Tom Barrett was there to greet them, and they heard from their new leader, Police Chief Alfonso Morales, who talked about what drives officers to do a tough job.

"Very amazing, you care about doing this job. The energy that the community gives you to push you, day in and day out. Long days, little sleep, away from your families -- the energy that motivates you to continue to come back to work," he said.

The ceremony took place at the Police Academy on the north side.