CAPE MAY -- Sixteen more police officers will take to area streets over the next few weeks. Family and friends celebrated the new cadet's at a graduation in Cape May Court House Wednesday.

One by one each of the 16 officers walked across the stage Wednesday afternoon to have their police badges pinned on their shirts as they begin their new journey as South Jersey law enforcement.
Family members could not have been happier.

"I am so proud of him. He did wonderful on his academics, he did great with the physical training and his driving," said family member Dawn Cheeseman.

The new officers held their right hands up and took the oath of office after more than five months of training at the police academy in Cape May. Now they are ready to take to the streets of South Jersey.

" I think I was prepared pretty well. My time here... They prepared me pretty well for the future," said cadet Jacob Feinberg.

The 16 cadets went through rigorous training over the last few months, but the hardest challenges are yet to come.

"I'm nervous. It's natural to be nervous. But I think ill be confidant enough with my training," added Feinberg.

"It was hard. I had to hear about all the trials and tribulations that he went through. All the physical tests and the emotional part, said family member Elizabeth Butcher.

Many of the recruits were honored by parents who also serve as law enforcement and say they have wanted to be cops for a long time.

"I've wanted to be a cop since I was a little kid. When I was 18 I started as a seasonal officer and have climbed my way up, said cadet Stephen Bowers"

Some of these newly sworn officers will take to the streets as early as Thursday.