PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It's been two days since Phoenix Police Officer David Glasser saw shot. The veteran officer died from his injuries Thursday.
On Friday 30 of new officers are hitting the streets, graduating from the police academy. FOX 10 spoke with one about the dangers involved in her new profession.
"We need cops around right now, there's not a lot of people who want to be cops, but we need them," said Officer Karina Sanders.
The tragic loss of Officer Glasser is fresh on the minds of many, especially the 32 newest peace officers in the state who were sworn in.
"It's really close to home for me because my husband is a Phoenix Police officer so anytime you hear about any cop it just makes you really sad, but it's real, it's out there, and we just need to be prepared for the unexpected," she said.
She says the want and desire to serve her community overrides any fear over the reality of her new job.
"That's what makes police officers special, because they want to go and put their life on the line to help others," said Officer Sanders.
Glendale's Police Chief Deborah Black said new officers are now better equipped to handle something tragic like losing one of their own.
"Our officers are trained and equipped and supervised in such a way that we do everything we can to avoid these tragedies. Things are very violent and 2016 has not started out to be a good year here in the Valley," said Chief Black.
There was a moment of silence for Officer Glasser at the graduation and his name was mentioned by all the key note speakers.
The badges of all officers both rookies and vets were covered with a mourning band.