MEMPHIS, Tenn. -  The Memphis Police Department (MPD) will be hosting a hiring expo this Saturday.

FOX13 spoke to a recruit on the path to joining the department and an officer who has been on the force for nearly a decade.

"Memphis Police Department is very special, and it's very important to the community," said Michael Buckingham, an MPD recruit. "And I want to do my part and uplift the community."

The 42-year-old said "Father Time has kicked in a little bit" but he's not planning on quitting.

"So when I run, I'm a little sore," Buckingham said. "The next day, push out a little sore, but I still have that mindset and I will not stop until I graduate" from the police academy.

He's looking to join his hometown police department after spending years with the U.S. Secret Service.

"So it's a true life-changing experience when it comes to the police academy training," Buckingham said.

On the other hand, Officer Christopher Freeman has been on the Memphis Police force for nine years. He comes from a law enforcement family.

"I'm born and raised," he said. "I love Memphis. And Memphis has given me so much. So this police department allows me to give back to Memphis."

Freeman encourages anyone interested to attend Saturday's Memphis Police Hiring Expo.

"I would tell the individual, 'You have their heart for service somewhere because you're considering joining the best in blue,'" Freeman said. "So since you have that calling, answer it, answer it, and come to the changes that you want to see."

Police recruit training lasts about six months, covering everything from firearms safety to de-escalation to emergency driving. The starting salary is $54,000, with the potential to earn more than $70,000 after three years.

The hiring expo will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, at MPD's downtown headquarters, located at 170 N. Main Street.

Free parking is available at The Mud Island Garage at Poplar Avenue and Front Street.

Interested applicants are asked to bring your driver's license.

For more information, visit joinmpd.com.