NYPD all the way in 3rd generation

When he graduates from the Police Academy Thursday, Matthew Ward will be following in his grandfather’s footsteps, walking a beat.

He’ll be continuing a proud family tradition also shared by his uncle — that of becoming an NYPD cop.

“I’m just excited to get out there and get started on my career,” Ward, 23 (photo), said Wednesday at the academy in Queens.

“It’s good to be a part of something bigger and be part of the NYPD. It’s humbling.”

Ward’s uncle and grandfather, Edward Ward Jr. and Sr. were both police officers.

Edward Ward Sr. started his career with the NYPD in 1956 and retired 20 years later.

He achieved the rank of detective and worked in Harlem and Brooklyn’s nowdefunct 82nd Precinct.

Ward’s uncle Edward Ward Jr. was a member the department’s Emergency Service Unit when he retired in 1987.

George Ward, 60, Matthew’s father, is a retired city correction officer.

“I thought working a city job was a good idea,” SUNY Maritime College graduate Matthew said.

Edward Ward Jr., 69, said he was very proud of his nephew — especially after learning he is headed to Midtown South, where he was assigned from 1977 to 1982.

Once his year probation is over, Police Officer Matthew Ward will try to get his grandfather and uncle’s badge number, 4273.

“We’re all 6-feet-3,” said Ward Jr., who flew up from Port Richey, Fla., to attend Thursday’s graduation at Madison Square Garden.

“I guess we were born to be cops. It’s in the genes and in the blood.”