Book Description:

 

Back by popular demand, former Nevada State trooper Steve Raabe shares this companion collection of stories concerning his career patrolling, investigating, and administering some of the most desolate and dangerous highways in the vast American West. 

 

Honest and hilarious, Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State includes heart-hammering scenes—a fatal shootout, a revenge bombing, deadly car crashes—while also providing fresh insights into law enforcement practices such as accident reconstruction, speed detection with radar and airplanes, seatbelt laws, and LEO hiring practices. 

 

In the six years since Raabe’s first book, animosity towards law enforcement officers has only grown, and so too has our collective need for frank stories like these that demonstrate the essential role that competent, ethical, and courageous officers play in our society every day. 

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Praise for Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State:

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“Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State is an enduring salutation to a way of life that cannot be viewed as a job, a career, or even a profession. It is a calling, and one has to hear that call to truly understand what such a life entails. Though I have never met Steve Raabe personally, I know his kind. We are blessed to have them among us."

     --Ben H. English, author of Black and White: Tales of the Texas Highway Patrol

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"A great continuation into the life of a Nevada Highway Patrolman and his journey through the ranks. From operations in the field to working administration, there's never a dull moment. What a wonderful tribute to a career that many will never truly understand but will appreciate and respect."

     --Tony Almaraz, former chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol

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“Steve Raabe was a career highway patrolman who took his job very seriously, and himself much less so. This is a wonderful, humorous and at times poignant look back on a career well served.”

     --Mike Alger, KTVN TV Chief Meteorologist, Reno, Nevada and author of Snow Storm

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Praise for Raabe's original collection, Patrolling the Heart of the West:

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"Though many of his true tales take tragic and terrifying turns, Raabe’s grace, compassion and good cheer, along with a wicked sense of humor, shine through..."

     --Las Vegas Review-Journal

 

"Patrolling the Heart of the West can easily be digested in short spurts, but it’s possible that when you start reading this book that it will be impossible to put down."

     --Sparks Tribune

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"Whether you have an interest in law enforcement, are a fan of all things Nevadan, or just want to enjoy a good book that you won’t want to put down once you start reading it, you’ll find Patrolling the Heart of the West to be a memorable read. Highly recommended."

     --Excerpt from Readers’ Favorite, review by Kimberlee J. Benart

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"Raabe's stories reflect “the good, the bad and the ugly” aspects of patrolling our highways. Patrolling the Heart of the West will bring a new appreciation for the unique role and responsibilities of state troopers, especially those who work in rural or remote areas."

     --G Paul Corbin, criminal justice professor and former chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol​​

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"Patrolling the Heart of the West is a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening read. With a style reminiscent of the war stories exchanged during a law-enforcement family barbecue, Raabe's skill as a storyteller is evident as he imparts his wisdom and experience with a unique sense of humor, candor, and insightfulness."

     --Andy Brown, author of Warnings Unheeded: Twin Tragedies at Fairchild Air Force Base

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"Told with great humor and compassion, Raabe's tales show us the heart behind the badge."

     --Michael Gurian, NY Times bestselling author of The Wonder of Boys

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"Patrolling the Heart of the West is a quick, entertaining and informative glimpse into an important, sometimes dangerous career spent in a unique, little understood corner of the country."

     --Ed Pearce, Senior Reporter, KOLO-TV Reno

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"Raabe tells his experiences with excellent accuracy, grace and wit. I couldn’t put the book down!"

     --Colonel Michael Hood, Nevada Highway Patrol

 

"Perhaps the most endearing police memoir yet written. As a son and brother of cops, I admire the humanity Raabe brings to each of these stories."

     --Jon Gosch, author of Deep Fire Rise

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