Kindle Edition Amazon Bright Lights, Dark Places Category:  Biography Publisher: Tate Publishing Company ISBN-10:  B015EI26BI Pages: 232 Copyright: 2011 Price: $7.99 (eBook) “Packed with fascinating stories of a vibrant career, from teaching at the academy to pioneering a bicycle patrol, ‘Bright Lights, Dark Places’ gives you an inside look at the career of one of the first female officers in Las Vegas. You will be encouraged by this powerful story of one woman finding grace to overcome trials.” Little could stand in Debra Gauthier’s way. A marathon runner, Debra excelled in the police academy, garnering respect as one of the few female police officers in Las Vegas. However, through her twenty-one years on the police force, Debra faced discrimination in the male-dominated profession, suffering demotions and unsafe working conditions when other officers would not provide backup.  In addition to the disappointment of injustice, she struggled with her sexuality, becoming entrenched in a homosexual lifestyle. After establishing an identity as a respected police officer, Debra was devastated when her career crumbled.   Bright Lights, Dark Places thoughtfully expresses the painful reality of combating biased attitudes and the joy that comes from surpassing limitations. Packed with fascinating stories of a vibrant career, from teaching at the academy to pioneering a bicycle patrol, Bright Lights, Dark Places gives you an inside look at the career of one of the first female officers in Las Vegas. You will be encouraged by this powerful story of one woman finding grace to overcome trials.   “Bright Lights, Dark Places is an incredible story of the power of God to transform a broken life. This book gives a very candid and revealing look into the world of law enforcement. But most of all, it gives you a glimpse into the very heart of God.” — Ben R. Peters, founder of Open Heart Ministries and Kingdom Sending Center   Debra Gauthier served as a police officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department from 1980 to 2001 and was one of the first women hired under the same standards as the men.       Excerpt Bright Lights, Dark Places thoughtfully expresses the painful reality of combating biased attitudes and the joy that comes from surpassing limitations. Packed with fascinating stories of a vibrant career, from teaching at the academy to pioneering a bicycle patrol, Bright Lights, Dark Places gives you an inside look at the career of one of the first female officers in Las Vegas. You will be encouraged by this powerful story of one woman finding grace to overcome trials.

Outstanding Read
I worked with this department during Debra's career and I retired as a captain. I was an FTO (Field Training Officer) when Debra was hired and I remember when she left, although I didn't know all of the details of her departure. We even competed against each other during promotional exams for the rank of Captain. So when I read her book I could recall many of the stories she wrote about. When I started reading her book, I found that I couldn't put it down. Her style of writing and the fascinating life story that she told captured my attention and held it throughout, chapter by chapter. She does an excellent job in detailing events and tells a story that is truly captivating and heart warming. She masterfully documents her transformation from an ambitious and tenacious career minded woman to a humble spirit-led and spirit filled follower of Jesus Christ. Although I can't attest to everything she writes due to my lack of knowledge of events and assigments elsewhere within the department, I can attest to the fact that I knew Debra then and I know her now and only God could change a life in such a dramatic and inspirational way. Her testimony will strengthen your faith in God-the God that created all heaven and earth and yet, cares enough for us as individuals to reach down and change lives one by one. Her life is truly a life that He has changed and I loved hearing her tell about how that happened. Once you start reading this book, I don't think you'll be able to put it down either and you'll be blessed in the process.

Fascinating book!
Having worked (very briefly) for Metro and having known many cops during the time period she writes, none of what she writes is incredulous. It was transparent and very believable although I know that some of it came down to he said-she said. I believe her. Additionally, it was very inspiring. She makes no excuses and still is gracious to everyone who helped her in her career--even those who unknowlingly led her to where she is now. I could not put the book down! You don't have to be a Christian to be engrossed in the reading--but, as a Christian, I found this book challenging to me spiritually and I have thought back on it many times since reading it. If you want to be a cop, have struggled in your career for whatever reason or think there is something more to life, then you will pull something out of this book.


The Most Honest, Open Account of What It Is Really Like for Women in Law Enforcement
If you are a female thinking about entering the career of law enforcement, read this book. If you are female in law enforcement, read this book. If you are a male in law enforcement, read this book. Can I make it any clearer? READ THIS BOOK. Debra decided on a career as a police officer and if she had been a male, she would have made it to Chief with no problem. But, she's not male and I don't care what department you try, no matter how progressive they say they are, they aren't. It's a boy's club. If you do your job and care about people, you would think you would go far. Sadly, that is not the case. Debra was tormented for being a smart, capable woman in a man's field. But, what almost destroyed her did make her stronger. She emerged to join the ranks of a more powerful police force, the Lord's police force. Kudos to Debra for writing such an honest account and thank you for helping me through the most difficult time of my life with your story and encouraging words!