The Houston Independent School District Police Department welcomed its newest police officer during a swearing-in ceremony at its headquarters on Monday morning.

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About 25 family members, friends and local law enforcement officers attended the ceremony to watch Demetria Price receive her police officer’s oath of office and HISD PD badge. Chief of Police Robert Mock gave the ceremony’s opening remarks and spoke about the responsibility of maintaining a safe learning environment throughout the district.

You have been given a very big responsibility as an officer,” Mock said. “Hold yourself accountable first, and everything else will fall into place.”

During a short speech after taking her oath, Officer Price thanked family members and fellow law enforcement officers in attendance.

“I would like to thank the [HISD PD] command staff for the training and support they have given me,” Price told the audience. “I also would like to thank my family and friends for their support during this process.”

The HISD Police Department is the only accredited public school district police department in the nation. Each year, the department responds to more than 81,380 calls per year across 300 square miles throughout Houston.