ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Weeks and weeks of rigorous training officially came to end for graduates of the Mohawk Valley Police Academy on Friday.

It's a collaborative effort between the Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff's Office, and Mohawk Valley Community College.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has been in law enforcement for nearly 30-years, and said he's noticed a lot of changes in training, and in society.

Despite the changes, and tensions following police-civilian shootings, the graduates said they're eager to make a positive impact in their communities.

They explain in the video above.