Feb. 18--The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police will graduate 39 new officers today, and five current officers will receive promotions.

The graduation ceremonies take place this afternoon at the Police and Fire Training Academy on Shopton Road in southwest Charlotte.

CMPD spokeswoman Officer Jean Wassenaar said this recruit class, the 156th, recently completed 23 weeks of training. The new officers will spend the next 14 weeks with a police training officer, working in their assigned patrol districts, before getting a full-time patrol.

Five officers today will be promoted to the rank of sergeant.

A couple highlights about some of the new officers:

-- One worked with a missionary group for six years.

-- Another served with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Maryland State Police, and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.

-- One was born in Ecuador.

-- Another is the sone of a retired CMPD captain.

The department also is planning ahead for new recruiting classes. Chief Rodney Monroe has asked Charlotte City Council for money to add 125 officers. The department had a booth at a job fair held Tuesday in southwest Charlotte. Police say they are recruiting now, in hopes that city council will approve money to expand the force.

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