LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There will soon be more police patrolling Louisville's streets.

Thirteen officers graduated from Louisville Metro Police Department's training academy Friday, a step toward filling the hundreds of openings within LMPD.

"The more people I can protect, the better," new officer Bryce Johnson said Friday. "It's what I'm here to do. I'm here to change and shape the community to what it needs to be."

Johnson said he can't wait to get out in the community.

"... whatever I can help bridge that gap," he said. "I've witnessed too much separation. I'm happy that I can be here to help make that difference."

Another graduate, Samantha Holzapfel, said the force needs more female officers, and she's ready.

"I wanted to take that step and kind of say 'Hey, you can do it too

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