Fifteen police officers — 10 men and five women — from the police departments of Culver City, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Torrance graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Training Academy in Whittier on Friday.

California State Assembly Member Steven Bradford of the 51st  District, delivered inspirational remarks to graduates and guests. A badge-pinning ceremony was conducted, with the new officers each receiving their badges from a loved one. After receiving their graduation certificates, the graduates were officially sworn in as peace officers by Sheriff Lee Baca.

During a special segment of the ceremony, Torrance police Officer Erin Sooper, of Redondo Beach, was named the Honor and Academic Recruit for Class 381. The award is given to the recruit with the highest score determined by leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship and physical performance.