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Man's Last Chance To Fulfill Dream of Becoming Officer
The Dallas Morning News via YellowBrix
October 12, 2009
Tom Coval wakes up dreading the day ahead.
Tom Coval, at his graduation in Dallas, worked for more than 20 years in jobs that left him emotionally unsatisfied.
I gotta go to work. I gotta do this job that I absolutely hate.
The Keller resident looks in the mirror and sees a graying, overweight smoker. He sees a man beaten down by years of sales jobs. He sees a man who spent more than 20 years pushing aside his dream of becoming a police officer.
Standing at attention, Tom Coval (right) and fellow recruits salute the flag to start the day. Coval’s Marine background helped him handle the academy’s military-like structure.
Where did I go wrong? How do I move on?
Now, at 43, he’s probably too old.
He preaches a tired lesson in failure to his son and daughter.
Don’t be miserable like your old man. Do something for a living that you enjoy.
One day in April 2008, his daughter Shelby, 15, gets tired of hearing it.
“Why don’t you follow your dream?” she fires back.
The challenge hits Coval like a brick.
Maybe it’s not too late. He quits smoking. He starts exercising. With time running out before he hits the Dallas Police Department age limit, he launches the arduous application process.
Roughly 15 percent to 20 percent of applicants become cops. Most of them are in their 20s or 30s.
Coval’s path toward law enforcement began decades earlier and many miles away.
It is the 1970s and Tommy, as friends and family call him, is growing up in a working-class neighborhood of northeast Philadelphia.
The aura of public service is all around.
hallie_hal
15 days ago
200 Comments
Congratulations! what a great story!
Vigilant101
about 1 month ago
11236 Comments
My dear friend. You have a wealth of experience under your belt. It's not all about catching the bad guys. Attitude plays a big part in affecting what you've learned and nothing can take that away from you. You are MOTIVATED and when you walk the Thin Blue Line. you will be carry out your duties to protect and serve galantly and so trained that you will go home because God will be with you in all that you do. We need more who are ready. and have nothing but pride in the one of the hardest jobs there is and if 'CALLED" you will be ready to report. God bless.
VTX
about 1 month ago
68 Comments
As a vetern with 38 years in LE, I have found maturity is the biggest plus to being an officer.
Way too many times younger officers need to grow up and put out the "blue flame' before they can become good officers.
You guys that have been around awhile known what I am talking about. No disrespect to my younger brothers, but there's a whole lot more to this job than writing tickets and putting the "habeas grabbis" on some guy just because you can.
fsa0033
about 1 month ago
178 Comments
Great story. A lot of the thanks should go to the daughter for giving him the push he needed. That girl should receive some credit too.
angelicwear
about 1 month ago
6 Comments
I am so confused. I thought the Civil Rights Act makes it a criminal act for any one to discriminate against "AGE". Yet, I have looked into employment with the FBI, DEA, local Police, Sheriff's Department, Highway Patrol, and many others and find that MANY of these agencies REQUIRE that all applicants must be under the age of either 36 or 35. These requirements are listed along with " Bachelors Degree" and among a list of items that one would read through to make sure they ARE or CAN be qualified for the position. I understand that these agencies want younger applicants due to the cost and time to train each individual, and that these agencies want at least 20 yrs of service and that the older an individual is the more likely they are to fall ill or die of natural causes. I understand that with youth we have more STRENGTH and resilance. But I also believe that with age comes wisdom that is priceless. And I believe that anyone that wants to sacrifice themselves to serve and protect others, should be given the opportunity. Regardless of there AGE, SEX, RACE, RELIGION, and all that the civil rights act COVERS! The age requirments of the FBI were the most disgraceful to me, that a GOVERNMENT agency partakes in violating the Civil Rights Act. Yes, we want the best, smartest, strongest, dedicated, loyal people protecting us, and its truly sad how many people have let their dreams slip by because of this age discrimination. Would love to hear any responses to my comment, feel free to add me as a friend and email me your opinion. I would love to get all this off my back, and hope to hear some one explain why the government allows this age discrimination.
I am very pleased to see the many responses from LE that began their careers later in life! It gives me hope that these age requirments are just a guideline, and with enough hard work, dedication, and PERSEVERANCE, anyone can make their dreams come true, regardless of their age.
russmcd
about 1 month ago
4 Comments
This is almost my story, having 22 years of "jobs of opportunity" and not following my dream. 42 right now and applying locally. If I make it in, I'll turn 43 in the Academy. This gives me all I need to know I can do this. Good Job Coval! Be safe!!!
cpd621
about 1 month ago
14 Comments
Wish all the best for you and your family.
ajkilburn
about 1 month ago
38 Comments
Congratulations! Proud to come you a brother in arms!
kosherdeputy
about 1 month ago
2 Comments
I followed the same path as Coval, at 39 I entered the Baltimore County Police Academy. In August I celebrated my 40th as a "Boot" Deputy and am loving every minute I am out on the road.
getocop
about 1 month ago
62 Comments
YOUR ONLY AS OLD AS THE WOMEN YOU FEEL. OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
awilhite
about 1 month ago
6 Comments
Good for Coval. Be safe and enjoy your time on the job.
BillJ
about 1 month ago
168 Comments
Too bad departments don't recognize the experience and maturity that comes with age. I know I will never be a cop because I am way past the age at sixty, but I hope to find another niche in this field.
RTJC
about 1 month ago
26 Comments
Welcome aboard... good luck, be safe and God Bless
parjr
about 1 month ago
2 Comments
Great timing. I was LE in the USCG 90-93. I applied to many departments way back then, but received a job offer that payed double LE wages. For the last 15 yrs getting back into LE has always been a dream. April 08 I decided I'd give it another try. With my wifes blessing I applied to 6 different PDs. Last week I received the call. My start date is 26 Oct. I am so excited. I will turn 39 will in the Academy.
Sheepdog09
about 1 month ago
18 Comments
This was a timely story for me. I'm 50 years old and I too am finally pursuing my dream of becoming a police officer. Similar stories except I don't have the military background. After 30 years of putting my dream aside for the sake of pastoral ministry I'm finally going for it. I started working out about a year & 1/2 ago and I'm leaner & meaner than I've ever been. I've applied to 72 depts. I've had 20 oral boards and my name is on several eligibility lists - I'm actually #1 on one list (no current openings). I've lost count of how many written & physical tests I've done. I have to grin to myself every time I leave a lot of 25 year olds in my dust. Thank you Officer Coval for your truly inspiring example. You are a rare & unique individual. Very few people could do what you have done. Now - live the dream!