FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Fort Wayne Police Department added 21 new officers to its ranks Thursday.

The Department’s 63rd basic recruit class graduated Thursday. It consists of 18 men and 3 women, growing the FWPD’s ranks to 473 officers.

The department is budgeted to a staff of 466, but Public Information Officer Michael Joyner says this allows for the backfill of known and future retirements.

“As Chief of Police, I am committed to ensuring that the city of Fort Wayne continues to have the best possible police officers to serve our city and these new officers are a representation of that commitment,” Chief Steve Reed said. “Two of our recruits are of Burmese descent, a first for the department that will help to ensure that our very diverse community is properly served.”