Boston police manpower was bolstered by 56 recruits yesterday after a graduation ceremony at Faneuil Hall that included cheers, tears and even a marriage proposal.

As the girlfriend of rookie cop Kerim Hadziahmetovic pinned his silver police officer badge to his chest yesterday, the new officer popped down on one knee and presented her with a ring. The girl, Tiffany, said yes.

“It was very touching,” said BPD spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.

The graduation brought the number of Hub cops to roughly 2,220, the highest number since 2005, BPD officials said.

“You enter public service at a critical time,” Davis told the new rookie cops. “Although Boston and its surrounding communities are still some of the safest cities in America, we face challenges on many fronts. You will play a vital role in our response to these challenges.”

In addition to the marriage proposal, there was also another honor bestowed upon a 29-year BPD veteran, John Gallagher. Davis told the assembly that Gallagher, a beloved superintendent, was retiring at the end of the year.

Almost immediately, cops -from new recruits to police brass - were on their feet applauding Gallagher with a standing ovation that lasted nearly four minutes.

“I want to recognize him on a job well done and to wish him well in his future endeavors. Thank you Superintendent Gallagher,” Davis said as the crowd clapped.

The new recruits will be assigned to hot-spot neighborhoods hardest hit by gun violence.