More than 40 Cleveland police academy cadets have joined the force and will now face immediate layoffs because of a budget cut, The Plain Dealer reported.
Amid tears and applause, the 42 cadets were let go soon after their graduation ceremony on Friday. According to the Cleveland daily, the city had planned the cut for the end of May, but after striking a deal with the police union the cadets were allowed to take their oaths as scheduled.
By being appointed to active duty, the new officers' certification has been doubled to four years, which means they'll have a better chance to find employment.
The city is laying off 321 employees, including 275 full-time workers. City officials blame the cuts on the expected loss of more than $35 million in state aid, The Plain Dealer reported.