Glen Williams - Bridging the Gap: An Inside Look at Communications and Relationships After Traumatic Events

Advance Praise

Bridging the Gap is a fascinating read, part autobiographical, part self-help but all part of the personal journey of Author Glen Williams, who as a cop, rode the roller coaster of a life in Law Enforcement.

Randy Sutton, A nationally known expert and commentator on law enforcement issues, who has appeared on FOX AND FRIENDS, THE ONE AMERICA NEWS NETWORK, and is the Crime and Safety on air personality for KTNV TV Las Vegas. He is a retired police Lieutenant and is the founder of The Wounded Blue. He is a radio personality hosting BLUE LIVES RADIO, THE VOICE OF AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT and has written three books, THE POWER OF LEGACY, TRUE BLUE; TO PROTECT AND SERVE, and A COPS LIFE, TRUE STORIES FROM BEHIND THE BADGE,

Glen Williams worked in law enforcement for over two decades and the job took a tremendous toll on him, both professionally and personally. He has compiled some of those experiences, along with the lessons learned, into this book so others may benefit from what he learned the hard way. Those in public service will relate to a lot of what he says. Those not in public service will gain valuable insight as to how to deal with challenges in their own lives. An easy read with a lot of helpful information.

Kevin Thacker, Sandy City Chief of Police (retired)

In Bridging the Gap Glen Williams has provided both heart and soul into the struggles of todays law enforcement officer. Glens honest approach to the issues that officers face is both insightful and inspiring. As a 30-year law enforcement veteran I found this to be an excellent read for anyone who is currently serving or planning on becoming a police officer. I highly recommend Bridging the Gap and I want to commend Glen for opening up this important world for all to see.

Bobby Kipper, Executive Director, National Center for Prevention of Community Violence, 30 Year Law Enforcement Veteran

Upon reviewing the written materials entitled, Bridging the Gap; An Inside Look at Communication and Relationships in Law Enforcement, written by Mr. Glen Williams, I found it well written, informative and feel it would be a benefit to those Ive worked with over the past 30 yearsthose in law enforcement, security, and crisis intervention. I look forward to being able to share this material with many others in published form.

Kerry Gracey, (Shaolin Arts), Nationally known Martial Artist, business owner counselor, and trainer of law enforcement and security

BRIDGING

THE GAP

AN INSIDE LOOK AT COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS AFTER TRAUMATIC EVENTS

GLEN WILLIAMS

NEW YORK

LONDONNASHVILLEMELBOURNEVANCOUVER

BRIDGING THE GAP

An Inside Look at Communications and Relationships After Traumatic Events

2022 GLEN WILLIAMS

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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To my Grandfather,

In remembrance of the many hours spent in your library watching you research and write. Watching you type with one finger on an old Underwood typewriter and mostly, of our conversations as I learned to read and love books.

I had no idea how much work goes into writing and publishing a book and would like to thank the following people who taught me, inspired me and put up with me, and made it possible. First to my grandfather, Robert McCaffree and my mother, Phyllis who encouraged a love of books as I spent hours in my grandfathers library starting as a young child and through adulthood. To my father, Al, who taught me English at the dinner table and reviewed my work. Thank you, Angie Fenimore and the fellow coaches of Calliope Writers who taught this rank novice how a book should be laid out. To those coaches who read through my work and offered suggestions for improvement. They taught me the process of writing, editing, creating, and assisted me in becoming an author. And yes, the magic does happen in the editing. Thanks also to Eschler Editing and especially to Heidi Brockbank, who saw the value, and offered incredible insights and turned the professional editing of this book into an educational, enjoyable experience that greatly improved my work. Thank you, Morgan James Publishing, for taking a chance on Bridging the Gap and for seeing my passion and societies need for this book. Most importantly, thank you to my wife, Deborah, who waited patiently as I worked in my office, for hours, often neglecting other responsibilities, who listened as I read through my work, and who encouraged, offered ideas, and supported me every step of the way as I excitedly told her where I was in the publishing process and where things were going. Love you, Babe.

I slowly began easing my way down the rugged, steep mountain, strewn haphazardly with a myriad of rocks, boulders, and trees. It was difficult to see on this cloudy, dark night as a misty specter filtered the light from the narrow sliver of moon. As I moved among the large pine trees, I labored and struggled under the heavy weight of the pack on my back, carefully placing one foot before the other to avoid slipping on the granite rocks coated with lichen and moisture from the dew. I breathed deeply and raggedly, trying to catch my breath as I neared the most difficult point of the long, arduous trek. The thin oxygen-starved air made it hard to breathe. A cloud of mist escaped my mouth as I exhaled in the chilly 9500 elevation. Suddenly, a shot rang out. Hearing the familiar reverberation of distant sound, I instinctively ducked. Something whizzed by, ricocheting off a nearby rock in a high-pitched whine, thudding into the mountainside behind me. Suddenly, I heard the delayed, loud echoing boom of another long-distance rifle shot. I sensed it and instinctively threw myself to the ground, rolling away from danger. A bullet struck the ground where I had been. Where were the shots coming from? Why was someone shooting at me? I quickly scooted away in a near panic, slowed by the dead weight of my large pack. It shifted precariously with the sudden movement, pitching forward and taking me with it. I started to slide rapidly down the steep rock and pine-covered slope, into the dark, ominous void below.

What started as a mild slide soon turned into a violent, uncontrollable tumble. I stuck my foot out at a passing heap of boulders in a vain attempt to stop or slow my momentum. The tumble and roll only got worse as I jammed my heels into the mountainside. Nothing slowed me as the pitch got steeper, more rugged, and more jagged. I bounced from rock to tree and back again. I felt like I was in a washing machine stuck on spin cycle.