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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The area’s newest police officers graduated from the police academy. Forty-three new officers received their diplomas during a ceremony Friday morning.

The officers come from different agencies around the area, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy and several other departments.

The graduation ceremony was the end of a 26 week course, consisting of more than 1,200 hours of work.

“They're ready on graduation, certainly the one thing that we often try to impress upon them is that they have a lot of knowledge, but it's hard for us to teach experience and experience, a well-rounded police officer generally has some time under their belt,” said James Bottillo, Zone Five Academy Assistant Director.

“It's been a grueling 26 weeks, but it's well worth it. This academy really trained us to face whatever is out there, so we're ready,” said Jesse Mall of the Albany Police Department.

While at the academy, the officers learn things like interpretation of the law, how to make arrests and how to use firearms.