Book- Coming Back From The Edge: My Anything But Ordinary Life In The FBI

To those who aspire to a career in the FBI, the gun, the badge,

the drama and the excitement can all be a rush of adrenalin.

To some it is a dream that sours before it can come to fruition.

To become part of the Bureau is something to be proud of,

to cherish and to believe wholeheartedly in.

My 37-year FBI career took me around the world, as you will read about.

Some places I volunteered for, others I went because the FBI

needed me there.

I never questioned the wisdom of the authority over me.

I performed my duty despite difficult,

sometimes overwhelming, circumstances.

I did it for my country.

Being FBI is truly the definition of public service to America.

You are called upon to give everything without reservation

and animosity.

Many things I experienced I am forbidden from revealing.

And rightfully so.

I accept those terms and honor the Bureau’s need to maintain certain things secret.

In the book, I reveal to you the good and the bad.

Both personally and professionally.

I own up to my mistakes and my shortcomings, because, in the end,

that is the sum total of my life, unvarnished and visible to all.

I willingly accept all that comes with that.

Not much will change for me now that I am retired.

I have shed most of the burdens I carried throughout my long, distinguished career.

I call it distinguished, but I guess it is up to you to judge me on that.

However, there are things I will never be able to shed; they will remain in my head for the rest of my days.

I can share some with you.

It comes with the job.

I accepted that.

I will live with that.

Should you decide for a career in the FBI, prepare yourself to carry those burdens also.

For they are unavoidable.

You may never escape them.

Before you choose a path similar to mine, carefully weigh all the pros and the cons.

It won’t take you long to realize the sacrifices you are called on to make, and the dedication to your duty necessary to survive this world, matter.

But remember also that what you will do in the FBI matters to a country full of people.

For those of you solely curious about the FBI life, I know you will find this a read that will run roughshod over your emotions, for that is the nature of the life we in the FBI have chosen to lead.

226 pages.