50-Year-Old Leaves High-Paying Job to Pursue Dream of Becoming Temple Police Officer
In a remarkable career transition, Chris Feder, a 50-year-old Army veteran and longtime volunteer firefighter, has realized a lifelong aspiration by becoming a police officer with Temple University, an endeavor inspired by his enriching experience as a public safety officer at Cabrini University before its closure. Feder began his new role this month, stepping into a challenging environment where police departments nationwide are grappling with staffing shortages.
A Montgomery County native currently residing in Haverford Township, Feder recently graduated as the oldest cadet from the Temple University Municipal Police Academy, where he stood out as one of three class leaders. This significant achievement comes after he took a considerable financial risk, opting for a ,000 pay cut from his previous position as director of rescue services at a private company to join the Temple police force.
Despite the challenges associated with entering law enforcement later in life, Feder’s commitment to public service is unwavering. He has navigated a rollercoaster of educational and personal experiences, including dropping out of high school and earning his GED at the age of 24. After joining the Army at the age of 30, he served in Afghanistan before embarking on a two-decade-long career that has now culminated in his role as a police officer.
In his latest journey, Feder is one of four new officers stepping into the role amidst a renewed focus on community policing, especially following a comprehensive safety audit conducted by former Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey. This audit was initiated after incidents of violence near Temple’s campus heightened concerns about safety, following a tragic shooting incident that took the life of a student.
Jennifer Griffin, Temple’s vice president for public safety, expressed confidence in the new recruits. She noted their collective experience, enthusiasm, and readiness to collaborate with the existing public safety team. Feder, who remains a staff sergeant in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, has maintained an impressive grade point average of 87% throughout his training, demonstrating both his dedication and academic competence.
In his view, the badge symbolizes a significant commitment—not a possession to keep, but rather a responsibility to the community he serves. Feder emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities that officers are sworn to protect, especially among youth.
As he prepares to take on the responsibilities of his new role, Feder is driven by a resurgence of purpose and enthusiasm. His wife, Anna, supports him fully, celebrating his determination and underscoring the notion that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. For Feder, this journey marks the fulfillment of a long-held ambition, reflecting the indomitable spirit of commitment that has characterized his life thus far.
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