Huntsville swore in 13 new police officers Friday, chosen from 350 who applied to join the force.

The swearing-in took place before family and friends after speeches by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Police Chief Kirk Giles. Family members pinned badges on the new officers’ uniforms.

“We train harder and longer than the law requires,” Mayor Tommy Battle told the new officers, “so you are ready to be out there in our community and be the best. And by this you’ve made Huntsville a better place.”

Huntsville is always looking for new officers as others retire or leave the force. This year the force lost one officer, Garrett Crumby, 36, when he was killed by gunfire as he and another officer responded to a call for help and ended up facing a man with an assault rifle. His partner, Officer Albert Morin, 34, was critically wounded and survived his injuries.

Giles said the city recruits year-round to find the best applicants to serve Huntsville. This class was the 69th session of the police academy, Giles said.