Four new police officers joined the Suffolk Police Department in a badge-pinning ceremony Wednesday.

Officers Daniel Ranger, Aaron Smith, Tiffany Valentine and Karissa Wilson took the oath of office administered by Deputy Clerk of Circuit Court Cynthia Robertson and were pinned by family members.

Officials took time to praise the new officers for their career choice.

“(Citizens) know they are safer because of what you have chosen to do with your life,” Mayor Linda T. Johnson said.

She advised the officers to surround themselves with positive people and things as much as possible.

“What you’re getting into is not always going to be positive every single day,” Johnson said.

She also acknowledged the families of the officers present, admitting that police officers often have to miss holidays, birthdays and other special occasions with their families in order to do their work protecting the public.

“Your family will know you are doing it for the greater family,” Johnson said.

City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn also spoke, thanking the officers for continuing the “strong tradition” of excellent police work in Suffolk.

On behalf of the police department, Maj. Dean Smith encouraged the officers with advice he said would have been offered by Chief Thomas Bennett, if he did not have to be absent for a personal matter.

“Never lose sight of why you have chosen this career,” Smith said. “Never forget why you are here — the citizens are who we serve.”

Finally, Smith added, “Never sacrifice your integrity.”