The Bermuda Police Service announced its eight women, seven men graduates of the Recruit Foundation Course number 66 on Thursday.

The graduation ceremony at Police Headquarters, Prospect, was attended by His Excellency the Governor Sir John Vereker, Randolph Horton, Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, Attorney General and Government Senate Leader Larry Mussenden, Robert Horton, Permanent Secretary, Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, Jerry Robinson, Acting Commandant ? Bermuda Reserve Police and John Pacheco ? Acting Fire Officer.

The parade began at 5 p.m. with the Bermuda Island Pipe Band leading the way.

Two Police motorbikes escorted Mr. Horton and Mr. Mussenden?s vehicle to the parade while another set of officers escorted the Governor?s vehicle.

Certificates were presented to the graduates by Sir John . This year?s graduates were Anneka Donowa, Latasha Gibson, Catarina Jones, McKeon Stevens, Jason Trott, James Celestine, Jalyn Jodi Eve, Darren Harvey, Latasha Jean, Richard Saints, Quinton Burch, Shawnta Edmonson, Francine Hodgson, Ashlie Simmons and Kyle Wheatley.

More than half of the graduates either have a spouse or close relative serving for the Bermuda Police.

Sir John told the graduates: ?You are joining an excellent Police Service and you?re going to do a difficult job?.

He told them to be responsible and to do their job seriously.

However the Governor also said: ?The Police service can?t change the nature of the society in which it works?.

He congratulated the graduates and admired the enormous amount of support from their family and friends.

Mr. Horton also congratulated the graduates and said that he was ? always delighted to participate in events that show an individuals achievements?.

He saluted the new officers friends and families for giving encouragement and support to the officers during their training.

?We are confident that you will discharge your responsibilities at the highest possible level. I charge you to go forward and make a difference?.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith told the graduates that they had probably asked themselves three questions over the course of their training ? Do I really want to serve, am I good enough and am I ready?.

?Perhaps you?ve experienced some doubt but yes at this stage you are good enough,? he said.

The presentations for the highest awards was made by Sir John.

The Mylod Cup ? an award for the most improved officer ? went to P.C. 2255 Francine Hodgson.

The Instructor?s Cup was awarded in two categories ? male and female for the best times of a ten kilometre run.

P.c. 2250 Anneka Donowa won for the female category with a time of one hour, seven minutes and 36 seconds.

P.c. 2248 Quinton Burch won for the male category with a time of 53 minutes and 34 seconds.

The all-around athlete and physical fitness awards were presented to P.c. Anneka Donowa and P.c. J2249 James Celestine.

The academic award was awarded to P.c. 2261 Jason Trott for having an overall test average of 92 percent.

The Commissioner?s shield was awarded to P.c. 2253 Latasha Gibson of Blue Syndicate.

The final award, the Baton of Honour was awarded to P.c. 2260 McKeon Stevens.

Each year the recruit foundation course donates money to charitable organisation. This year $2,025 was donated to the Women Resource Centre and was accepted by chairperson Sharon Apopa.