A handful of new police officers will soon be walking the beat in Allentown.

Six officers -- Elene Poliseno, Ismael Segarra, John Perez, Anthony Bowland, Victor Diaz-Gonzalez and Jason Hillis -- received their badges at a ceremony in City Council chambers Thursday morning.

"Recent events in Colorado and Wisconsin remind us that we live in a dangerous world, but we are able to breathe somewhat easier knowing that police officers are doing their best to protect the rest of us from harm," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski, D-Allentown. "It is important that we take the time at ceremonies like these to acknowledge their efforts."

Five of the officers recently graduated from the Allentown Police Academy. The sixth was already certified. They'll spend at least 16 weeks with a field training officer before patrolling on their own, officials said.