WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department graduated 33 trainees this week in ceremonies held at Baton Rouge Community College.

The cadets completed the department's training academy, which began in late July.

In a speech to the new officers, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden highlighted the importance of first responders in the wake of the elementary school shooting in Connecticut on Dec. 14.

Holden told the new officers that they pay a high price for their service.