PHILADELPHIA — A 50-year-old recruit said he has fulfilled his lifelong dream of joining the Temple Police Department, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
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Army veteran Chris Feder graduated Oct. 11 from the Temple University Municipal Police Academy as one of four new recruits to the department, according to the report. Feder previously served as a volunteer firefighter, federal corrections officer and director of rescue services for a private safety firm. He was the oldest cadet in his academy class and was named class lieutenant.
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“It’s been my life dream to become a police officer,” Feder said, calling his time as a public safety officer at the now-closed Cabrini University one of his most rewarding roles. That experience, he said, influenced his decision to apply to Temple.
“Things have come to me late in life, and I’ve always seen myself vicariously through ‘Rocky,’” Feder told the Inquirer.
Feder’s path to law enforcement has been unconventional. He left high school without graduating and earned his GED at age 24. He enlisted in the Army at 30 and served in Afghanistan. His resume includes service as a state fire instructor and work with Montgomery County’s hazardous materials team, according to the report.
“I look at your badge as it isn’t yours to keep,” Feder said. “It’s on loan from the community you serve. And every day you work, you pay that loan back with interest in the form of integrity, professionalism, empathy, dedication, commitment.”
His decision to join Temple comes at a time when the university has faced challenges in recruiting officers.
Jennifer Griffin, Temple’s vice president for public safety, said Feder and the new officers bring experience and commitment.
“I think they will be great teammates to our existing officers and the entire public safety team,” she told the Inquirer.
Feder left a higher-paying job to attend the seven month academy and said the greatest challenge was the academic workload, which includes 26 exams and a required minimum GPA of 80%. He maintained an 87% average and gave up most of his other responsibilities, including firefighting, to focus on training. He continues to serve in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard as a staff sergeant, according to the report.
Feder’s wife, Anna, said his perseverance reflects his belief in second chances and community service.
“Chris is embracing the challenge — and his underdog spirit is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” she told the Inquirer.
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