The Oldest Police Recruit

Recently, 178 new police recruits marched out of the NSW Police Academy, the youngest was 20 and the oldest was 62. 

John Mamacan tried to join the Force in 1973 but height restrictions prevented him from doing so…he missed by half a centimeter. Fast forward to 1986 and height restrictions are abolished but it took John another 30 years to apply again. This time he got in and graduated as part of Class 330..

We spoke to John on the Daily Drive show this week and you could hear the emotion in his voice as he recounted standing in the parade ground realizing his dream had come true.

Up to this point, John had been working in the big end of town in It, working in management positions and spending his weekend as a Surf Life Saving Volunteer – something he said will stand him in good stead in the Police Force.

“I have experience in crowd control and rescues and I think this will be useful in my new job” he told us.

With his love of the water, it was obvious that John would request to be assigned to a water command and his wish was granted when he was posted to Maroubra in Sydney. John eventually hopes to move to the Marine Command.

According to his colleagues, John’s fitness levels are better than some of the younger recruits who also see him as a “life” mentor.

But for now, John is happy to learn from his much younger colleagues, most of whom out-rank him.

John’s message? If you have a dream keep pursuing it, even if it means you acquire a HECS debt in your 60’s!