The Yonkers police commissioner presided over his final promotion ceremony today.

Commissioner Charles Gardner is retiring, but not before promoting several officers and swearing dozens of new recruits.

With proud family and friends cheering on, 33 probationary officers were sworn in as the newest members of the Yonkers Police Department. They will start their training next week at the police academy.

Several current officers were also promoted to various detective titles.

But the biggest cheers were a standing ovation led by Mayor Mike Spano for Gardner. After 40 years with the department, and nearly eight as commissioner, Gardner will officially retire next week.

He says he’s proud of the work he and the department have been able to accomplish. “We reduced overall crime by 45 percent. We reduced complaints, we reduced low-level arrests. We have built our relationship with the community. I’m just proud of the team, the men and women of this department, were able to accomplish."

Gardner says he’s going to spend some time with his family before assessing what his next move is going to be.

Deputy Chief John Mueller has been appointed to serve as acting police commissioner, pending confirmation from the Yonkers City Council to be full-time commissioner.