As mayor of Lewisville, Texas, Winston Edmondson campaigned to increase the size of the local police department. It was a goal he took very personally. After finishing his term, Edmondson decided he’d take it upon himself to grow the ranks and enrolled in the Tarrant County College’s Law Enforcement Academy.

“I had been thinking about getting into law enforcement, and I had been encouraging both my sons to get into law enforcement,” he explained to KTVT.

At least one of his sons heeded the word. Christian Edmondson not only followed his father’s advice, but became his classmate after enrolling in the same program.

“My dad and I are really competitive,” Christian told the CBS affiliate. “This academy was good for both of us, I think, because it kinda gave us a bond.”

In November, the Edmondsons became the first father–son graduating pair.

“As we all know, police officers are entering a very turbulent time in our society, and it was very refreshing that a father-and-son duo wanted to actually come,” said Damon Ing, a member of the Tarrant Law Enforcement Academy.

The younger Edmondson accepted a job with the Flower Mound Police Department, while senior continues to weigh his options.

“There are a lot of police departments here in north Texas that need good men and women to take up the call. I think it’s really neat that this story has motivated some people to apply,” he posted on social media, adding, “I’m going to miss spending so much time with my son. I’m going to cherish these memories.”

William Shaw also made history when he graduated from the same program this fall at age 61 and joined the Grapevine Police Department in Texas.

“It doesn’t matter the age. If you can push yourself and persevere, you’ll get there,” he told KTVT.