As the Book Tour Geared Up . . .

As the book tour geared up I was invited to the St. Rose Women’s Care Book Care as the author for the month of November, 2011.  One of the members that had read my book was so powerfully impacted that she suggested my book to the club.  How was she powerfully impacted?  I’m glad you asked.  This woman, who is Jewish, was very curious about the conversations that I had with God and asked, “Debra, do you think God will speak to me?”  “Of course, all you have to do is ask!”  I prayed and asked God to speak to her. The woman called a few days later and said, “You are not going to believe it but I was asleep when I heard a man call my name.”  She told me that her husband was out of town on business and there was no one else in the house.  She was clearly shakened and that encounter with God opened her heart and she gave her life to Yeshua.  I love God stories!

 

When I showed up at the book club, it was packed with women.  The president opened the meeting and told me that my book had created quite a controversy so we needed to limit the discussion to law enforcement and leave out the chapters on homosexuality and any references to God.  I was not suprised because of the encounter that the gal had as a result of reading my book.  I replied, “We can talk about whatever you would like to discuss; as the author I am here to answer your questions about the book.”  Guess what we ended up discussing?  You’re right, God and homosexualtiy!  It was a very stimulating discussion and the consensus was that my book had caused many of the readers to be emotionally involved in the story.  As a result, opinions had been challenged and minds opened to the possibility that God wants to have a personal relationship with us and things are not always what they appear to be.

 

My First Book Signing

My first book signing event was at a quaint little book store called The Book Boutique in the heart of old Henderson in their renovated business district. We packed the place as I reconnected with many friends whom I had lost touch with. In the first photo I am signing a book for my old friend, Vito. I raced for his mountain biking store while I was still on the police department. He reminded me of some of the crazy things we used to do, like the time I had to go to the bathroom so bad I jumped off my bike and squatted behind a tiny bush not big enough to hide anything and did my business only to be caught on camera by Vito. I’m not sure where that picture is today but Vito assures me it will not resurface on Facebook. I can only pray!

 

Many of my friends and fellow ‘street warriors’ showed up for the book signing. Walt, Regina, Bob and Michael all worked with me on the police department. (Photos #3 and #4) The last picture is me choking out my friend, Rhonda, from junior high school and yes, I am certified to choke you out in eight seconds or less and bring you right back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Woman Las Vegas Metro Police Officer since 1974

On March 21, 1981, I joined 27 graduates as we passed the final inspection before being assigned to patrol the streets of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Sun newspaper reported, “The graduating class was especially significant to Metro officials, since it includes the first new woman police officer since 1974. Four women entered the academy class in October, but Debra Gauthier was the only one who completed the grueling course”.

Attorney General Richard Bryan, guest speaker at the morning graduation ceremony, told the new officers and others that ‘in nearly every city across this country, the number of violent crimes jumped sharply in 1980. Clark County Sheriff John McCarthy also spoke to the graduates, all of whom had completed the 16-week training course and were about to be assigned to a number of Southern Nevada law enforcement agencies. McCarthy told them their work was just beginning.