Officials presented 39 recruits from 11 agencies with their certificates Friday at the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy.

The months of military-style training included shooting, defense tactics, being shocked by a Taser, pepper sprayed and more.

Now, the recruits can finally call themselves officers. Awards were also given to three recruits who excelled in defensive tactics, academics or leadership.

Officials praised all of them for enduring the physically and mentally challeging process.

"You have 39 officers who are embarking on a new journey that they worked hard for for six months. Now, they'll be going out to protect and serve the communities they are going to go serve," said Broome County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Sammy Davis.

The academy provides training for 40 law enforcement agencies.