Meet Debra

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 lives in Nevada and is a motivational speaker and author of Bright Lights, Dark Places, with a follow-up book due for release in 2016, Homecoming: The Rainbow Generation.