An incoming class of Port Authority Police Department officers received their shields at a Wednesday morning ceremony, including two who will follow in the footsteps of their fathers.

Among the newcomers are Kara Schmidt, 28, and Thomas Leather, 30, who were given their PAPD dads’ old shield numbers.

Both were 9/11 responders.

Schmidt’s dad, William “Billy” Schmidt, served with the PAPD for 24 years, 14 of which were spent working at JFK airport. He died eight years ago of natural causes.

“I feel blessed to be part of this department. I feel honored to wear my dad’s shield and carry on his legacy. It means everything to me. He started the academy 24 years ago today so everything happened for a reason,” Schmidt said after she was presented the shield number by her mother, Bonnie. “My dad loved his job, loved the Port Authority Department. He came home and he would talk about how great of a job it was, how the brotherhood, the sisterhood, how they were there for my family after my dad passed. It’s amazing how close and how tight-knit a group of officers could be and this job is like no other in the country.”

Schmidt says it was her father’s passion for his work that influenced her to join.

“That’s how my dad would talk about the job that would really influence my decision, how he responded after 9/11, how the Port Authority responded after 9/11,” she said.

Following the ceremony, her mother remembered her late husband’s homecoming after responding to the Twin Tower attacks.

“I know I was lucky to have him return. I feel lucky to have my daughter follow in his footsteps now as well,” she said.

Leather’s father, Joseph “Joe” Leather, was in attendance at the ceremony. He joined the PAPD in 1980 and retired eight years ago at the rank of detective sergeant.

“It was a very proud moment, extremely proud,” he said about watching his son walk toward him, as he passed his shield down from one generation to the next.

“I’m feeling very honored and privileged, excited to start a new chapter in my life. It’s something I’ve always looked forward to doing, something I’ve always wanted to do- following in the footsteps of my father,” said the younger Leather.

His dad was assigned to Newark Airport on 9/11 and went with other officers to the World Trade Center site to assist with evacuation.

“It’s a lot of good friends on that wall there,” the elder Leather said as he looked at the names of fallen officers etched in the south pool. “We remember every time we fly a flag or the clock turns 9/11. We remember them every day.”

More than 100 officers — 19 women and 93 men — were presented with shields and IDs at the 9/11 Museum Auditorium. Red carnations were laid at the south pool for the 37 officers who died on 9/11, and another 10 for those who died in the line of duty. It was the first time the ceremony included the laying of a wreath and flowers for the officers. In addition, the official Port Authority flag displayed 47 streamers inscribed with the names of each service member.

“We’ve got a proud legacy of sacrifice and excellence, and from this point on you are now part of that legacy,” said John Bilich, chief security officer of the Port Authority during the ceremony.

The official PAPD graduation will be held on Friday.