This question was often asked of me when I was in any chat areas under the �nickname,� and I chose not to answer that question in an open forum, as I don't care to make it sound as though I am bragging, as it is not to be bragged about. However, it is something that is forever a part of me.

On August 12, 1988 I was working a uniformed extra duty job at our local Burger King, when it was broadcast that a laundramat just up the street had been robbed. The description of the suspect was given, and his direction of flight was towards the Burger King. Well, needless to say, "give up" was not in that pup's vocabulary, and he chose to shoot it out. Well, with the four officers ultimately involved, he sustained three gunshot wounds after repeated opportunities to give it up. I, on the other hand, sustained two shots to the noggin, thus proving I am the hardest headed officer in the department (tis odd that none have challenged that). The final outcome was that the Good Lord chose to renew my lease on life, and I went home later that nite (wearing a turban), and I was back to work in eight weeks. As for the suspect, well, his lease was cancelled at the scene, a waste of a life for $20. Perhaps the favorite question that I am often asked is "was I wearing my bullet-proof vest?" Well, I am sorry to say that I was not. And, it might even have helped........if I were a turtle.

Today, I serve to recognize that I was blessed, and strive to help other officers work through their experiences, the after effects of shooting incidents, and other incidents that can result in Critical Incident Stress. I am presently working on another website which will contain the full story of this event, as well as another which was my first experience with Post Traumatic or Critical Incident Stress. I am designing the website to be informative relative to critical incident stress, and have dedicated it to my fellow officer, co-worker, friend, and the first New Jersey female officer to give her life in the line of duty, Abigale Powlette. The website will be linked to this site when completed. In the meantime, should you have any questions in this regard, feel free to email me.