"It's a dream come true:" MPD swears in 35 recruits during a time of much-publicized crime

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is adding to its ranks! On Monday, June 23rd, MPD swore in 35 new recruits!

Monday's recruit class is the second class of 2014 for MPD -- and part of the plan to bring in 120 new officers this year.

Before Monday's ceremony, recruits stood eager to take the next step in their new careers.

For some, this day helps to fulfill a big goal.

"It's very important for me. I've wanted to be a law enforcement officer my whole life, so it's kinda like a dream come true," Eric Brandt said.

The new recruits took the oath during the ceremony -- voicing their commitment to the Milwaukee Police Department.

These recruits were among 4,000 who went through a written examination, a physical ability test, a medical examination, oral reviews and psychological reviews.

Finally, they made it to this point and on Monday, they were sworn in as officers.

But still, more awaits them. The recruits must go through 23 weeks of strenuous training.

They are joining the Milwaukee Police Department at a time of much-publicized crime in the city.

"The city of Milwaukee is about 96 square miles large. About 8% of our geography accounts for 94% of all of our non-fatal shootings," MPD Assistant Chief James Harpole said.

Fire and Police Commission Executive Director Michael Tobin told the recruits that after every interaction with others, as an officer, they should ask themselves some questions.

"Am I proud of that? Did I make the Milwaukee Police Department proud? Did I make myself proud? Did I do the right thing? That's the key," Tobin said.

New recruit Eric Brandt is proudly following in the footsteps of his sister, a Pleasant Prairie police officer.

And for him, the dream doesn't stop here.

"I would like a longstanding career with the Milwaukee Police Department. Hopefully work my way up in the ranks and hopefully one day be a part of the command staff," Brandt said.

A bit of background about this class of recruits: The class consists of 31 men and four women, with an average age of 28.5.

The youngest is 21 years old, and the oldest is 46 years old.