John Fisher

When John Fisher walked across the stage at the Río Hondo College Police Academy graduation in the fall of 2025, he wasn’t just celebrating the end of 26 weeks of rigorous training — he was proving that it’s never too late to find a new purpose.

At 70 years old, Fisher became one of the oldest people in California to complete a six-month basic police academy program. But for him, the milestone wasn’t about age — it was about service.

“I’ve always believed you need purpose in life,” Fisher said. “For me, service has always been a big part of that.”

Before joining law enforcement, Fisher built a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes at Sony Pictures Television. His job involved managing productions, wrangling budgets, and keeping creative projects on track.

“I was often the designated adult in the room,” he said with a laugh. “So when instructors were yelling at us in the academy, I thought, ‘Well, I’ve been yelled at by worse.’”

Long before he swapped TV sets for tactical gear, Fisher was already immersed in public service. Over the past decade, he volunteered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department’s California Emergency Mobile Patrol, and the Santa Clarita Search and Rescue team. He also served on a mountain bike patrol unit for local parks, acting as “eyes and ears” for agencies while maintaining trails and assisting visitors.

Those experiences inspired him to earn his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. “As I was winding down my professional career, I thought I’d ramp up my volunteer hours,” he said. “But then the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) came to me with an opportunity to become a seasonal ranger assistant. Eventually, that could lead to the police academy, and I thought about it for about two seconds and said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to do that.’”

Soon after, Fisher retired from television and joined the MRCA as a ranger trainee. That decision led him to Río Hondo College, known for its strong reputation and commitment to producing disciplined, community-focused officers.

“The timing was perfect,” he said. “It all came together — the program’s reputation, the start date, and the agency’s support.”

While most of his classmates were in their 20s, Fisher didn’t see the age gap as an obstacle. “I never told myself I was too old for this,” he said. “You just have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, endure a little pain, and keep learning.”

The training wasn’t without challenges. “The physical training was definitely tough,” Fisher said. “I’ve spent decades trying to stay fit — mountain biking, hiking, and even backpacking parts of the Appalachian Trail — but I’m not a natural runner. By the end, I wasn’t fast, but I was less slow,” he joked. “And I never quit.”

His persistence didn’t go unnoticed. Fisher’s dedication earned him two honors from his classmates — Class President and Most Inspirational. He also received a commendation from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“I didn’t feel inspirational,” he said. “I was just showing up every day, doing the work and trying to hang in there. But if others drew strength from that, I’m glad I could be that example.”

Looking back, Fisher said his years of life and work experience helped him succeed in the academy’s high-pressure environment. “I understood what the stress was for,” he said. “It’s designed to make you stronger and more focused.”

Now, as he begins field training with the MRCA, Fisher says the experience still feels “surreal.”

“There’s an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment,” he said. “It wasn’t what I thought my retirement would look like, but I’m so glad I took the leap.”

Fisher hopes others will do the same. “You’re never too old,” he said. “Start slow, learn, stay curious. The only limits are the ones you put on yourself.”