ALBANY, N.Y. -- Fourteen new Sheriff's deputies were sworn in Friday at the Albany County Courthouse.
Sheriff Craig Apple led the ceremony, as friends and family looked on.
Newly-deputized members stressed the importance of law enforcement being present in the community.
"I've always thought that the community needs really good leaders and I think that by changing children's minds and making them realize that police officers are there to help them is really important. I just think it's all about helping the community. That's what we're there for," said new Deputy Kayla Taras.
The ceremony concluded with new deputies taking their oath to uphold the law.