Imagine working in a job you always dreamed of having and working in a career that excites and fulfills you in every way. Consider what it would be like to be highly successful in your work, admired by your peers, but always fearful that if anyone you work with discovered your secret, it could all be over. This is what it is like to be a closeted gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender member of law enforcement. And in the fire service and emergency medical services profession, the condition is even worse because of the common housing situation required while working a 24 to 48 hour shift. Its true that society as a whole has become more accepting of gay and lesbian people, but homophobia continues to be pervasive in much of the public safety arena. Most states still do not have any employment protection against harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation. Imagine being fired from the job you love because of who you are. American Heroes Coming Out From Behind The Badge is Greg Miraglias second book intended to show examples of how police officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals have been able to come out and be successful on the job. The stories come from across the country and tell of a very personal and courageous journey. They are intended to both inspire and educate. The book contains a section on how to come out as well as a section with resources and associations supporting LGBT public safety professionals. This book is ideal for anyone who is struggling to come out as well as for straight allies who want to learn more about how to support their LGBT colleagues.

What do you do when one of your friends is murdered? Not only murdered, but she was murdered by your other friend, (her ex husband) who also happened to be your childhood hero. This isn't just another book about OJ Simpson, it is the full story of a man who found himself in the middle of a dark tunnel that seemed to have no end. After years of guilt, lies, and betrayal, Ron battled back and forth whether or not to tell his story, in fear of losing his credibility. Twenty-two years later, he felt it was time for his story to be told. The Heart Behind the Badge is a memoir that outlines the life and events that led up to him testifying against one of his friends in what would be known as The Trial of the Century. Not one of his 15 years on the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) could have prepared him for what he was about to face.

Coming Out from Behind the Badge is a book intended to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) law enforcement and other professional first responders who are seeking a way to "come out" and be successful on the job. It is also intended to educate heterosexuals (persons attracted to the opposite sex) and cisgender people (persons who identify their gender in a way that is consistent with their birth sex) to better understand differences in sexual orientation and gender identity and how to support their colleagues. In addition, this edition of Coming Out from Behind the Badge was written to support students who are preparing for a career in law enforcement and those already in the field seeking a better understanding of a large segment of the community which law enforcement serves. The book is intended to serve as a text for instructors providing LGBT awareness training for law enforcement and other first responders. It is an ideal read for law enforcement leaders and executives who seek a better understanding of how to create an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees. It includes instruction for how a law enforcement agency can build a trusting relationship with the community and how to create an LGBT Liaison Program.

Police officers today face unprecedented challenges--anti-police sentiment, increased danger, massive public scrutiny, and the ever-present threat of terrorism. Now thoroughly updated, this trusted resource has already helped over 125,000 police families manage the stress of the job and create a supportive home environment where everyone can thrive. The third edition includes new stories from police families, new chapters on relationships and living through troubled times, and fully updated resources. Discussions of trauma and resilience, domestic abuse, and addictions have been expanded with the latest information and practical advice. Whether they read the book cover to cover or refer to it when problems arise, families will find no-nonsense guidance they can depend on. Mental health professionals, see also Counseling Cops: What Clinicians Need to Know, by Ellen Kirschman, Mark Kamena, and Joel Fay.

There's so much more to a police officer's badge that all first responders wear. But that's what the world sees. What's behind and beyond that badge is what people need to know-the person. Those behind the badge may wear a different uniform, but they too have families and love their communities. Each one faces all that life has to offer.