The Mount Vernon Police Department on Monday swore in one of its largest classes of recruits.

City officials say all 19 recruits are Mount Vernon residents and have a diverse background. More than 80% are Black and 20% are female.

"It feels awesome. There's no other place I'd rather be than Mount Vernon. This is important because I'm a part of the community. I'm just serving my people and my city,” said Devyn Norman, one of the recruits.

The recruits are heading to the police academy in the new year and are expected to graduate in June.