The Austin Police Department swore in two new officers on Monday morning in the City Council chambers at City Hall.

Family and friends gathered to watch Ryan McCormack, 20, and Joshua Bradley, 21, sworn in as the newest APD officers. Their badge numbers are 126 and 127 respectively.

City Administrative Services Director Tom Dankert issued the oaths.

Both officers come from law enforcement families.

McCormack’s father, Sgt. Jeff McCormack, serves with the Austin Police Department.

“My dad’s been a police officer longer than I’ve been alive, so growing up I was always around law enforcement,” said McCormack.

McCormack, who was born and raised in Austin, became interested in law enforcement after shadowing an officer while in high school. He attended Riverland Community College, where he eventually spoke to instructor Rich Watkins, who convinced him to go into law enforcement.

“I went down to the administration office, dropped all of my classes and signed up for all of the law enforcement classes,” he said. “I haven’t looked back since.”

His father was present at the swearing-in ceremony.

“It’s huge (having Sgt. McCormack present),” McCormack said. “I’ve grown up around law enforcement, so I’ve kind of seen the ins and outs of law enforcement. It’s been a big part of my life, and now that I’m in this situation, his being here is pretty special for me. It’s cool for him to be in attendance.”

Like McCormack, Bradley also followed his father into law enforcement.

“My dad is a cop in Rochester, so I figured I’d follow the family footsteps from his experience and from what I’ve seen, knowing that I can give back to the community,” he said.

Bradley grew up in the Spring Valley-Preston area before his family moved to LeRoy a few years ago. He attended Riverland Community College and Minnesota State University, Mankato before joining the APD.

“I want to learn as much as I can these first few years on the job,” he said.

Bradley said familiarity with the area will be a significant factor in his new job.

“I kind of like (being assigned close to home),” he said. “I know the area and know what’s going on and have an idea of the culture. It’s not like going to a big city where you don’t really know anything that’s going on or what the people and environment are like.”

Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger said the addition of McCormack and Bradley brings the APD to full strength, with 34 officers.