Glendale PD: Diabetes won't stop us from hiring qualified officers

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - November is diabetes awareness month, and it can be a real challenge to get a job in law enforcement if you've been diagnosed with diabetes.

Now the Glendale Police Department is putting out the word that diabetic conditions will never stop the agency from hiring qualified police officers.

When he was growing up James Calderon was not sure if he could become a police officer because he had diabetes.

"When I tried to join the military they were like no, you can't do this, you're a type one diabetic," said Officer James Calderon.

He had trouble getting hired with the NYPD because of his diabetic status. Now Calderon works as a patrolman for the City of Glendale.

"I think law enforcement, in general, is a tough job, it just adds a little more of a challenge to it," said Calderon.

"At the police department they've been very supportive of that type of situation, every supervisor I've ever had has said do whatever you've gotta do to make sure you're healthy in safe," said Detective Derek Johnston.

Johnston is also diabetic; the diagnosis came as a shock when he learned his condition at age 14. In time, he learned to manage the disease.

"With the syringes and constant testing, I'm able to keep it under control," said Johnston.

But men say they closely monitor their diabetes, to make sure they stay healthy on the job.

"Things change by the minute on a daily basis, by the hour, sometimes you don't have time to eat. Maybe I need something sweet to keep my sugars up, so I have to keep stuff on me at all times," said Calderon.

Johnston says being dependent on synthetic insulin never stops him from taking care of business.

"You have professional athletes out there that are diagnosed with diabetes type 1 and type 2, and they're able to live a healthy life and be productive. It's important for people to know because you're diagnosed with this, it doesn't mean it's a death sentence," said Johnston.

Glendale Police are taking a PSA letting potential recruits know that diabetes will never keep them from getting a job at the agency.