The NYPD is working toward building better relationships with people who are deaf or hard of hearing in New York City.

Heriberto Almonte, a Brooklyn resident, was sworn in as the NYPD's latest intern on Friday. Almonte is deaf and came to America at 12 years old from the Dominican Republic and will use his knowledge of sign language to help the NYPD Community Affairs department.

"I honestly can't believe this moment," said Almonte. "Sometimes it's like deaf people can't do anything, but this just proves that's not the case."

Almonte spent his last two summers in the NYPD's youth program as a high school student and will now assist the department when working with people who are hard of hearing.

"He's someone that gave us a lot of insight in the previous summers that he's worked with us, and we've wanted to expand on his relationships with the deaf community," said Alden Foster, assistant commissioner of NYPD Community Affairs.