Events on the occasion of the Oath of a freshman took place at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. Almost 700 future specialists of the National Police units swore to serve Ukrainian people faithfully, to protect constitutional rights and freedoms. Boys and girls made a lot of efforts to enter the university - successfully passed the IEE, passed the competitive selection and physical tests.

The future police officer must not only have profound knowledge, but also be physically strong, be able to repel the offender and protect those who need it. Such defenders of law and order - courageous, smart, and motivated - are expected in the practical units of the National Police.

Those present observed a moment of silence for the patriotism, courage, loyalty and heroism of those who laid down their lives for the freedom, unity and independence of Ukraine.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Meri Akopian, People's Deputy of Ukraine Oleksandr Bakumov, the Acting Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov, the Head of the NPMD in Kharkiv Region Stanislav Perlin, the First Rector of the University Colonel-General Oleksandr Bandurka, the Rector of the University 2012-2015 Police Colonel-General Police Serhii Husarov, the Head of the Slobidskyi District Administration of Kharkiv City Council Viacheslav Ilienko, the Director - Chief Conductor of Kharkiv Philharmonic Yurii Yanko, the General Director - Artistic Director of Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after V. Lysenko Oleh Orishchenko, the Director of Kharkiv Regional Center for Educational Quality Assessment Oleksandr Sydorenko, the Rector of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Police General of the Third Rank Valerii Sokurenko, university staff, parents and relatives of the cadets.

The Oath-taking ceremony began. Among the first-year cadets there are representatives of many regions of Ukraine - the largest number from Kharkiv - 254, 109 from Donetsk, 52 from Poltava, 39 from Luhansk, 30 from Sumy, 25 from Zaporizhzhia, as well as from Dnepropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Volyn, Vinnytsia, Rivne, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Zhytomyr and Lviv regions. Boys and girls swore to serve Ukrainian people faithfully, comply with the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, implement them, respect and protect human rights and freedoms, the honor of the state, as well as received police badges.

On behalf of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrskyi, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs  Meri Akopian greeted the first-year cadets: “Today, on the bright holiday of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin, on the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, on the Day of Defenders of Ukraine you join a large family of police officers.

Right now you are creating a new page of your life chronicle, uniting with all generations of defenders of Ukraine, who for centuries fought for the right to create our history on our land. It is symbolic that you are solemnly declaring your commitment to the Ukrainian people on the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. I believe that you will not betray those inviolable words, the price of which is greater than life.

You will soon be able to ensure the safety of citizens and peace in society. Each of you will have a chance to test yourself.

Your success tomorrow will depend on studying today, so your main task is to learn, to acquire knowledge, to be inquisitive, proactive and persistent.

Be worthy of the high rank of a police officer! Always keep your word, take the side of good, and help those who need protection.”

The Deputy Minister also presented awards to employees and cadets of the University for Exemplary Performance of their official duties, personal initiative and dedication.

People's Deputy of Ukraine Oleksandr Bakumov wished the first-year cadets never lose confidence, to be always first, to win, and to reach the set goals and heights. “You study at a wonderful higher school. All conditions have been created for you to study, acquire knowledge and show what you are capable of” said Oleksandr Bakumov.

Acting Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stressed that society has a great demand for trust in the police and the law enforcement system. “I am convinced that you will justify this trust. You will enforce the law and keep order. Dear teachers, parents! I am convinced that you will do everything necessary to make our children true defenders and patriots of our state. "

Stanislav Perlin, the head of the NPMD in Kharkiv region, congratulated the first-year cadets on the remarkable event: “Today, the solemn commitment to loyalty to the Ukrainian people has joined you in a large family of police officers and united you with all generations of defenders of Ukraine. The society expects from the National Police to ensure the protection of rights and freedoms, to create conditions for the safe existence of every person. This is a high level of trust and a great responsibility! ”

On behalf of the parents, the mother of the first-year cadet, a participant of the Joint Forces Operation, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Sergeant Olena Tytova, addressed the youth: “We, the parents, are proud of you, support your choice and wish you to become real professionals! We are convinced that you will be an example of conscientious service to the Ukrainian people, high moral qualities, honor and responsibility''. She also thanked the Ministry of the Internal Affairs and the university administration for the good conditions for study and service.

Illia Zhelnovach, a cadet of the faculty № 4, spoke on behalf of the first-year cadets. He noted that he was inspired to become a law enforcement officer by the example of his father - a colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine, a participant in the anti-terrorist operation in the east of this country. Like his father, he dreams of protecting law and order in the state. The cadet offered to honor the memory of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

Addressing the first-year cadets, the rector of the university Valerii Sokurenko stressed that the Oath is taken once and for all life: “I am convinced that this day will be engraved in your heart forever. Today, your most important task is to study honestly and persistently, to get an education. Teachers, coaches, commanders, mentors will pass on their knowledge and experience to you, educate and serve with you throughout all years of study at the university.

Special thanks to the parents for raising their children with dignity, for not hiding them in a turbulent, difficult time for the state, and for sending them to study at the Ministry of Internal Affairs educational establishment. Honor and praise to you. I don't think you will regret giving your children to us. At the university they will receive a good education, become patriots, and love this state and their people.

Dear first-year cadets, we are proud of you! You took the first step in the profession today and there are no people on this roll call ground that came here by accident. Worthily hold the title of cadet of the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. Serve and study so that people will respect you and the Lord God will protect you! Glory to Ukraine!”

The festivities ended with performances by amateur art groups of the university departments

Department of Public Relations of KhNUIA