LEX 18 — Twenty new police officers were sworn in by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton after completing a rigorous 26-week academy program, adding fresh talent to the city's law enforcement ranks.

The ceremony marked the culmination of months of intensive training for the new officers, who came from diverse backgrounds but shared a common commitment to serving their community.

"It was hard. We came in as individuals and teamed up, now Lexington has 20 new officers," Jackson Heineman said.

For Heineman, receiving his badge fulfilled a lifelong dream that began in early childhood.

"I couldn't be prouder of my son, he's wanted to be in law enforcement since he was probably 2 years old," Heineman's mother, Leigh Ann Lester said.

While some officers like Heineman always knew they wanted to purs

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