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Tucson 9-1-1: Do the Right Thing!
Tucson 9-1-1: Do The Right Thing! is a deeply personal, sometimes fiery, and always passionate insider account of the rise and fall of Tucson’s emergency communications center. Michael LaFond, a former 9-1-1 operator, brings readers behind the curtain of public safety communications to reveal the unsung heroes, complex personalities, bureaucratic missteps, and systemic flaws that shape how emergency calls are handled. The book recounts both the triumph—like the heroic response during the 2011 Tucson shooting—and the unraveling of a once-proud institution due to budget cuts, managerial changes, and disregard for public safety culture.
What struck me most about LaFond’s writing is the raw, unfiltered honesty. He writes like a man who has nothing left to lose, and that lends a gravity to every page. His admiration for figures like Louie Gonzales is touching—almost reverent. But when he turns his pen against those he sees as betraying the mission of public safety, it’s blistering. His style swings wildly from reflective to sarcastic to downright angry. That makes it a bit uneven, sure—but it also makes it real. This isn’t corporate PR. It’s a whistleblower’s war story written with both heart and bite.
At times, the story slows down to dive deep into the minutiae—office politics, scheduling policies, bureaucratic turf wars. There are long tangents that might lose readers unfamiliar with the workings of a 9-1-1 center. But maybe the tedium is part of the tragedy. Because LaFond’s central message is clear: it’s not flashy heroics but small, smart decisions made by dedicated people that save lives. When leadership forgets that, things fall apart fast.
Tucson 9-1-1: Do The Right Thing! is a stirring read. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in public service, emergency response, or organizational leadership. It’s not a thriller, but it sure feels like one when you realize what’s at stake in every call. If you want a book that will challenge your assumptions and make you care about the people behind the phones, give this a read.
Pages: 542 | ASIN : B0F2M3PG1L
Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona
Deputy While Immigrant by Tom Peine offers a reflective and engaging look into the life and career of a German immigrant who navigates the challenges and triumphs of working as a police officer in the United States. Peine’s journey from exploring various professions to becoming a dedicated policeman is presented with an honest and grounded perspective, highlighting the rigorous testing and physical confrontations he faced, especially as a 40-year-old entrant into law enforcement.
Peine’s memoir stands out for its blend of personal anecdotes, detailed crime scene descriptions, and insightful reflections on his mental and emotional experiences. His narrative style is engaging, bringing to life high-adrenaline moments of vehicle pursuits and home raids while acknowledging the less glamorous realities of police work that often contrast with their cinematic portrayals. This authenticity is evident in stories like the noisy trailer home raid, which diverges from the stealthy operations commonly seen in films. The book also delves into the more somber aspects of law enforcement, such as handling sensitive cases involving minors and attending a fellow officer’s funeral. These moments are presented with sensitivity, adding depth to the narrative. For those interested in action-filled memoirs or considering a career in law enforcement, Deputy While Immigrant offers valuable insights. Peine’s advice, such as maintaining professionalism in adversity and using police jargon, immerses readers in the law enforcement.
This memoir is more than just an account of a police officer’s life; it explores resilience, adaptability, and dedication. It resonates with current, former, and aspiring police officers, providing a multifaceted look at the profession. Peine’s compelling storytelling and richly detailed experiences make Deputy While Immigrant an absorbing and enlightening read.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0CNQRV7QL
LITERARY TITAN 