By Police1 Staff
TUCSON, Ariz. — A former college basketball star finally fulfilled one of his dreams.
Eugene Edgerson has worn many hats in his life, including as a college basketball star, a Harlem Globetrotter, a kindergarten teacher and a juvenile detention counselor, according to the Arizona Daily Star. He made it to two Final Fours and has traveled the world.
But despite all that he’s accomplished, there was something else he wanted to do.
“I wanted to be a police officer,” Edgerson said. “I wanted to go to the Police Academy and, believe me, I had no idea how difficult it would be. It’s the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.”
Edgerson’s wish to become an officer was inspired by an incident during his childhood in New Orleans. Thieves and vandals broke into his mother’s home, which got him thinking about becoming an officer.
The former power forward spent 30 consecutive weeks and more than 1,200 hours learning the law enforcement craft. After 13 weeks of training, his marksmanship and firearms score didn’t meet requirements. Despite the setback, Edgerson said he was given another chance.
“I was so close; it was like millimeters,” he said. “They could’ve just sent me away but instead they offered me a chance to recycle in the next class, for 17 more weeks.”
Edgerson finally achieved his dream when he graduated with 40 Arizona recruits Thursday. He will work for the Pima Community College PD.