The Broome County Law Enforcement Academy graduates it's class of 2009.

19 officers and deputies will serve in 9 different agencies across the Southern Tier.

As Action News Reporter Caitlin Nuclo tells us, two Johnson City police officers will join the village force tomorrow.

But their jobs may already be on the line.

"I feel confident in what I've been trained to do," said Lucas Walter with the Binghamton University Police.

The Broome Law Enforcement Academy arms recruits with experience before they enter the force.

"It feels great to be over, it was a grueling 6 months," said new Johnson City Police Officer Chris Ketchum.

6 months of reality based training.

From classroom lessons in law, to field exercises, it's critical preparation for what's to come.

"It's extremely important because they have to know how to handle situations when they arrive they might be the only officer at the scene," said Broome Sheriff David Harder.

Now, these 19 graduates are ready to join the ranks of local law enforcement.

Two of the newest officers will serve with Johnson City.

But with residents split on dissolution, the fate of the village police department is still undecided.

"It can be distracting sometimes wondering whether you're going through this for nothing if you're going to have a job or not," said Dan VanWie of the Johnson City Police Department.

"If dissolution goes through they will, if the seniority allows, be transferred," said JC Police Chief Douglas Potts.

Both Ketchum and VanWie have a secure job in JC, until at least June.

If dissolution passes, they could move to the Broome Sheriffs Office or another agency.

"They were very fair and told us we were taking a chance. Myself and recruit VanWie both left full time jobs to come here and we wanted to take that chance," said Ketchum.

A chance to serve and protect their community.

A responsibility, that the whole class of 2009 is ready to handle.

The graduation was held at the Regency in Binghamton.

Members of the 2009 class will join the Chemung, Chenango, Tioga, and Broome Sheriffs Office, as well as the Cortland, and Johnson City Police.

Also departments at Binghamton University, Ithaca and Broome Community Colleges.