After six months of classroom instruction, physical training and on-the-job operations, 21 officers have graduated from the 12th Law Enforcement Training Cycle.

"It is our law enforcement officers who have the greatest responsibility of working to make us safer," proudly announced Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. "Each of our graduates have stepped up to fulfill this responsibility and they have risen to the occasion with vigilance and valor."

From the graduates, the Guam Police Department gained five more men and women and blue. Guam Airport Police had nine graduates, one from Port Authority Police and six from the Department of Corrections.

For GPD Police Officer Annjenette Martinez, this milestone brings her step closer to achieving her goals. "I’ve actually always wanted to be a police officer, and I've actually always wanted to choose GPD," she said. "Basically to make the community a little safer for when my daughter decides to leave my home front."

While five graduates from GPD may seem like a small number, every officer patrolling the streets makes a difference. Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio said, "Five is one shift. So we at least have one more shift of officers out there. This administration doesn’t end there as far as recruiting because we already have eight on board for the next cycle."

According to the chief, more police presence is on the way, as they’re hoping to have a minimum of 24 officer trainees for the next cycle starting in August.