78-Year-Old Becomes California’s Oldest Police Rookie

John Myers has reportedly made history as the oldest police rookie in California at the age of 78, according to local reports.

Myers, who has a long background in education, including ten years at UC Law San Francisco, chose to enroll in the Police Academy at KCRA 3. He mentioned that he’s had a desire to work in law enforcement since he was a child. “This is the last thing I’ve always wanted to do,” he shared. “This is my last chance to do something like this.”

Myers spent ten months at the San Joaquin Delta College Post Academy, undergoing a rigorous physical training program. He humorously remarked, “I’m old enough to be a grandpa,” and acknowledged that the physical challenges, like push-ups and running stairs, were especially daunting.

Letecia Infante, the academy coordinator, initially expressed some concerns upon seeing someone of Myers’ age. However, he went on to prove them wrong, graduating from Class 5724 in November and earning the title of the oldest police recruit in state history.

Police Chief Grant Bedford shared that Myers submitted his application via a handwritten letter. “I got a letter, a snail mail letter,” he recalled, surprised by the determination shown by the 70-year-old. Bedford met with Myers, completed a thorough background check, and accepted his application, allowing Myers to balance teaching during the day with overnight shifts on campus.

Myers cheekily suggested, “If you wish, you can call this retirement. That’s my retirement version.”