The very first group of certified Cure Violence interpreters officially graduated in Brooklyn Thursday.

The 30 people who graduated are now the largest group in the state to become certified non-law enforcement gang specialists.

New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams attended the commencement ceremony. He says the experiences had by the graduates resonated with him personally.

Man Up USA Inc., a national organization aimed at getting rid of violence in communities, provided extensive gang specialist training. Training included a 12-hour orientation, 15-section module exercise and a 113-question exam.

Before Man Up USA Inc. was able to teach the specialized training, it was only offered to law enforcement.

News 12 is told the gang specialists will be deployed in some of Brooklyn's most violent neighborhoods like Brownsville and Canarsie - where the fight against gun violence is needed most.