Facing the Enemy Within In 1980 Debra Gauthier became the first female officer hired under the same standards as the men on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. She excelled and quickly moved up the ranks of the male dominated profession, establishing herself as a decorated officer in a vibrant career she loved. But beneath the surface lay the ugliness of discrimination, gender bias, and betrayal from fellow officers. On top of these injustices, she struggled with same-sex attraction and identity. After 21 years as a respected police officer Debra was devastated when her career-and world-crumbled. This is Debra's gripping story of facing the enemies within the ranks-and within her own mind-and the joy that comes from beating the odds to rise again. From teaching at the academy to pioneering a bicycle patrol, Bright Lights, Dark Places lets you see inside law enforcement and what it's like to be a strong woman in a man's world. You'll be encouraged by this powerful story of one woman finding grace to overcome. Ms. Gauthier still lives in Las Vegas and is a motivational speaker and author of Bright Lights, Dark Places, with a follow-up book due for release in 2015, Homecoming: The Rainbow Generation.
About the Author: DEBRA GAUTHIER, Author/Public Speaker Ms. Gauthier is the author of "Bright Lights, Dark Places" and a motivational speaker. She was a distinguished police officer on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department where she served for 21 years. Her career began in 1980 as the first female officer hired under the same standards as the men. She quickly moved up the ranks and made Sergeant after only four years on patrol. As she paved the way for other female officers, Ms. Gauthier became the first female sergeant on the academy staff, pioneered a new bicycle patrol on the Las Vegas Strip and started a Missing Person's detail in the detective bureau. She was later promoted to Lieutenant and worked in a variety of assignments. In 1997 she tested for Captain and was ranked #1 by an outside assessment team. Ms. Gauthier's career related activities have included: Coordinator, Take Your Daughter's to Work Day; Co-chair, Leadership Las Vegas Youth Criminal Justice Day; and Dale Carnegie Instructor. Memberships and affiliations have included: Women's Chamber of Commerce of Nevada; Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Las Vegas Alumni; and International Association of Women Police. In 1995 Ms. Gauthier was honored as a finalist in the legal category for Women of Achievement and won that award in 1997. She was recognized as one of the Distinguished Women in Southern Nevada in 1997. Ms. Gauthier attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts, 1979, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, 1990. She was born on February 15, 1957 in Alamogordo, New Mexico, the oldest daughter of George and Lillian Gauthier. Ms. Gauthier has been a Southern Nevada resident since 1963.