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Real Life 'Blue Bloods' Graduate From NYPD Academy

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Friday was graduation day for the Police Academy's class of 2013.

The event could have been a scene from the CBS drama "Blue Bloods," CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported. Three generations of a family that has served the NYPD for nearly 70 years were on hand for the ceremony.

Serious expressions marked what was a momentous day for the NYPD's newest officers.

"To today's 1,171 graduates, congratulations and welcome to the finest police department in the world," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "For generations men and women have followed the example of the family members and answered the call to join New York's finest and that's reflected in this department's make up."

The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony never lost its significance for the Costello family.

"There are seven active members present with us today. Three generations, goes back to 1946," Lt. Wayne Costello explained. "I have one lieutenant, a retired lieutenant, two sergeants, three police officers, and a Nassau County police officer in aviation."

Lieutenant Costello has been on the force for 35 years. He followed in his father's footsteps. On Friday, Lt. Costello, two of his nephews, and other family members were on hand to congratulate his sons as they became the newest members of the Costello family to join the force.

Lieutenant Costello said that the notion of service has been instilled in the entire family.

"Family legacy, it's been instilled in us from the beginning," he said.

Sergeant Costello echoed the lieutenant's sentiments.

"My brother and me went through the academy together 15 years ago. It's good to see my family on the job. It's a good job," he said.

Graduate Ryan Costello was proud to continue the family's tradition of service.

"We've been in the academy for six months. We can't wait to be out there," Ryan said.

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