Women Warriors: Stories from the Thin Blue Line features a compelling collection of stories about women in law enforcement. From a dispatcher on the radio trying to remain calm and do her job while her husband is involved in a gun battle, to a desperate search for a missing child during a frightening storm, to a courageous lone officer staring down the barrel of a gun inside a crowded department store, the tales in this book will have your pulse racing.
Police officers, federal agents, chaplains, corrections officers and dispatchers, all share their stories, each one written in their own hand. The diverse tales with make you laugh, cry and cheer as these Women Warriors face unknown dangers during their shifts.
From the red-hot streets of Texas, to the frozen Alaska tundra, these true stories will capture your imagination and give you a true sense of what today's women encounter as part of The Thin Blue Line.
"Women Warriors provides a window into the challenges of day-to-day policing-told from a woman's perspective. From a gripping account of the 9/11 aftermath when Chicago police officers descended on New York City to help search the wreckage to the humorous and sometimes tragic on-the-beat episodes, Women Warriors is an intriguing and worthwhile read."
-- Alan Jacobson, National Bestselling Author of Inmate 1577
"Wills shines a light on the courage and tenacity of the profession's female Warriors."
-- Dave "Buck Savage" Smith, Internationally renowned police trainer
"A rare glimpse into the lives of women in law enforcement."
-- Noah Boyd, NYT best-selling author of The Bricklayer
A powerful, deeply moving book. Filled with tales of courage, sacrifice and steely warrior determination. Powerful proof that the warrior spirit knows no gender!
-- Dave Grossman, Lt. Col. USA (ret.) Author of On Combat and On Killing
"Often dismissed is the true warrior role so many women play in law enforcement. Wills brings that role into sharp focus."
-- Frank Borelli, Editor, Officer.com
"John's book reminds us there are women in this profession taking their turn 'Walking the Point.'"
-- Terry G. Hillard, Retired Superintendent Chicago Police Department
Q: What led you to pursue a career in law enforcement?
A: I thought about it a great deal while I was serving in the Army. After I got out, I took the test and was subsequently called for training. I liked the idea of police work because it was a challenge, and it was exciting. Frankly, I couldn't imagine working in an office from 9 - 5 every day.
Q: What types of crimes did you investigate as an agent?
A: Mostly violent crimes-narcotics, outlaw motorcycle gangs, organized crime. I worked several undercover assignments, dealing with drugs and public corruption. I became a member of the SWAT team and was a sniper. I served as the principle firearms instructor in the Detroit Division for a while. While assigned to the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia, I served as an instructor in tactics, physical training, and street survival.
Q: In your many years in law enforcement, what insights do you have into the criminal mind that you've used in your novels?
A: Having interviewed hundreds of suspects, I have a fairly good idea of where they were coming from, their mindset and mentality, I was able to understand their rationale for committing crimes, and thus give them the impression that I was sympathetic to their cause. That approach often allowed me to create a bond that caused them to divulge information about their crime. Understanding what goes through the minds of criminals allowed me to develop informants, who are often the key to solving a crime.