FINALIST - Book of the Year Awards, The Independent Author Network

A vivid true-life tale of service, survival, and sacrifice

This gripping memoir vividly recounts Al Moreno’s rise as a gifted and fearless Los Angeles police officer, surviving gangs and homicidal situations in urban war zones as he strove to achieve his personal and professional dreams. Packed with unforgettable scenes of both beauty and despair, it culminates in his vocal stand against corruption within the LAPD, and the political retribution that ensued - a dirty internal investigation that unleashed the murderous vendetta of a violent ex-con from the Aryan Brotherhood.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Al Moreno’s natural prowess for police work resulted in an unprecedented 70 commendations as he dealt with scores of gangs and violent criminals during his tenure with the Los Angeles Police Department officer in the late-1970s. Moreno was one of 36 police officers chosen from the ranks of the entire LAPD to launch what became the nation’s premiere specialized anti-gang unit, Operations Control Bureau C.R.A.S.H. (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums).

He not only led his colleagues in arrests, but he was also frequently commended for his uncanny ability to control and arrest heavily armed suspects without the use of lethal force. His LAPD field commendations often noted this ability: “Regardless of how hectic the situation may be, Moreno never compromises completeness for speed. Officer Moreno displays particular skill when handling armed suspects, as he recovers more weapons in the field than any other C.R.A.S.H. officer yet has avoided involvement in an officer-involved shooting.” Before becoming a policeman, Moreno served with honor as a United States Marine in the Vietnam War, where he received a commendation for outstanding performance of duty."