Old Cop Tales

                                                     John’s Life Story

         I competed in the 1940’s and 1950’s in weight lifting (Olympics) and body “beautiful” contests (mostly 198lbs class.)   I trained and won most contests or came in second place in some. Trained at JoeTeralazzo’s Gym at Third Avenue and Twenty-Third Street with the old boys “Marvelous Marvin Edar, John Davis etc.

          I was asked by Bob Hoffman to come to New York and train for the Olympics. I was also asked by Joe Weider to train at his gym in Jersey for the Mr. America.

Then I got a letter from Uncle Sam to take a two year paid vacation in Korea.

         I returned to Teralazzo’s new gym in midtown, when I came back from Korea. I got into wrestling due to the influence of John’s teacher George Tregas. I did the real stuff and some professional. I asked John Mandel, a tough cop, about Tragas, “Toughest S.O.B. I ever met.”

         Joined N.Y.P.D. and got certificate in self Defense training and taught classes.

  I entered power lifting classes from the age of 21 to 62. I won many titles to get big trophies instead of small medals. I was in contests with my protégé, Cleo Higgs female who also won Power lifting contests with no rubber suits. She was the first female demonstrator in A.O.B.S, a club for old time weight-lifters and wrestlers. Etc.  It meets once a year and has over 150 members attending a dinner.

            When I retired after 38 years, I continued for a few years as a member of the Community Council assisting at various functions, especially our annual Christmas Party.  Over 500 children got hot chocolate and gifts from Sgt Santa Claus. Then I retired completely.