By Anne Berleant
LOS ANGELES —Miguel Camarena graduated from the LAPD police academy at age 45, making him one of the oldest graduates on record, ABC7 reported this week. He was one of 42 recruits who completed 912 hours of training over 24 weeks.
“I feel amazing, very honored to wear this uniform,” Camarena said.
There is no age limit to join the LAPD so long as recruits can complete police academy training, according to CBS News. But before applying, Camarena first had to become an American citizen. He gained that status two years ago.
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“It wasn’t easy, it was hard. I had tough times,” said Camarena, who worked at a cellphone repair store for nine years before gaining U.S. citizenship.
His wife, Veronica, only learned of his desire to become a police officer when their daughter joined a police academy magnet program several years ago.
“It was a shock, and he couldn’t have done it before because he wasn’t a citizen,” Veronica Camarena said. “When he became a citizen, that actual day he started finding out about [the process to join the LAPD].”
Now that he has attained his dream of joining law enforcement, Camarena told ABC7 he’s ready to help his community.
“I also want to be a motivation for my kids, and for Hispanic people as well, to let them know you’re never too old to pursue your dreams.”