AUSTIN--Forty Austin police recruits have taken the streets as cadets for the last time.

Tuesday, the Austin Police Department's 139th cadet class joined Chief Brian Manley in the Chief's Run, a longstanding tradition in the department.

They ran from the Austin-American Statesman's parking lot on South Congress up to the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial at the state capitol. There, Manley spoke briefly about what it meant to take up the badge while encouraging these up and coming officers to reflect on their newfound vocations.

One recruit shared with reporter Victoria Maranan on why he's looking forward to being one of Austin's finest.