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Patrolling the Heart of the West: True Tales of a Nevada State Trooper
"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 "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 For decades, Trooper Steve Raabe patrolled some of the most desolate and dangerous highways in America. Alone in the remote Nevada desert, miles from any backup, Raabe was forced to contend with murderers, thieves, perverts, dope peddlers, and the occasional runaway train. While often tragic and terrifying, Raabe's true tales also abound with his signature wit and playful good cheer. Policing can be a deadly serious business, but for Raabe it also entailed buying a prisoner an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, or laughing along with some good old boys before booking them into jail, as you'll discover in Patrolling the Heart of the West. In our contentious and politicized era, when police officers are too often portrayed as either infallible superheroes or oppressive henchmen, Raabe's charming collection reminds us that cops are mostly just ordinary men and women who've chosen an extraordinary career. More praise for Patrolling the Heart of the "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 "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 “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 “Patrolling the Heart of the West is a quick, entertaining and informative glimpse into an important, sometimes dangerous career spent in a little understood corner of the country.” --Ed Pearce, Senior Reporter, KOLO-TV Reno "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 "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 Twin Tragedies at Fairchild Air Force Base "Raabe tells his experiences with excellent accuracy, grace and wit. I couldn’t put the book down!" --Colonel Michael Hood, Nevada Highway Patrol
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2018
158 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 31, 2018
Very interesting and well-written
I bought this book on a whim, expecting to skim through it, stopping to read anything that looked especially interesting. I found myself intrigued by the well-written, matter-of-fact manner each aspect of the writer's career was presented, and actually read the entire book. There was no dramatic "guns blazing" action, but rather the experience of listening to the stories of a new acquaintance. Very glad I purchased it.
I bought this book on a whim, expecting to skim through it, stopping to read anything that looked especially interesting. I found myself intrigued by the well-written, matter-of-fact manner each aspect of the writer's career was presented, and actually read the entire book. There was no dramatic "guns blazing" action, but rather the experience of listening to the stories of a new acquaintance. Very glad I purchased it.
December 31, 2019
Great snippets of a career of a trooper. This guy reads in a way that gives me more respect for them. He really shows he’s just a man, same as me or anyone else. It’s nice to see this side of law enforcement.
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April 30, 2021A Fascinating Autobiography by a State Trooper from Nevada
This book kept me up all night and I read it straight through. I lived in Nevada from 1990 - 1995 so I was interested to see if any of the author's stories involved some of the things I experienced. They didn't, but I found his life story as a State Trooper to be extremely interesting. How many of us have wondered what it would be like to work for the Highway Patrol? The author's experiences, exciting, rewarding, frightening , and sad are far beyond what most of us could imagine. I have many friends who work in law enforcement. So I've often wondered what their days and nights are like. Very few of these friends want to talk about what they have experienced. Therefore, I want to thank every onevof them, including the author for their service. I've known Secret Service agents, FBI agents, DEA agents, Sheriff 's deputies , State Investigators who oversee the Judiciary , Policemen, Police Chiefs , Embassy Guards, and Undercover Policemen. I once was offered a job in the US Border Patrol, but decided against it . However, I've never known a Member of the Highway Patrol. This book relates not just what Trooper Raabe experienced, but what he thinks about what he did. I recommend this book to everyone. It has opened my eyes and given me tremendous respect for all State Troopers. What they experience could easily lead to PTSD. The next time you talk with a Trooper try to appreciate why she or he may have experienced personally and make their job easier by being friendly and cooperative . If they see stern or angry just understand what tragedy they may have recently experienced. Their's is a lonely, difficult job. And always thank them for their service and tell them to stay safe.
This book kept me up all night and I read it straight through. I lived in Nevada from 1990 - 1995 so I was interested to see if any of the author's stories involved some of the things I experienced. They didn't, but I found his life story as a State Trooper to be extremely interesting. How many of us have wondered what it would be like to work for the Highway Patrol? The author's experiences, exciting, rewarding, frightening , and sad are far beyond what most of us could imagine. I have many friends who work in law enforcement. So I've often wondered what their days and nights are like. Very few of these friends want to talk about what they have experienced. Therefore, I want to thank every onevof them, including the author for their service. I've known Secret Service agents, FBI agents, DEA agents, Sheriff 's deputies , State Investigators who oversee the Judiciary , Policemen, Police Chiefs , Embassy Guards, and Undercover Policemen. I once was offered a job in the US Border Patrol, but decided against it . However, I've never known a Member of the Highway Patrol. This book relates not just what Trooper Raabe experienced, but what he thinks about what he did. I recommend this book to everyone. It has opened my eyes and given me tremendous respect for all State Troopers. What they experience could easily lead to PTSD. The next time you talk with a Trooper try to appreciate why she or he may have experienced personally and make their job easier by being friendly and cooperative . If they see stern or angry just understand what tragedy they may have recently experienced. Their's is a lonely, difficult job. And always thank them for their service and tell them to stay safe.
February 1, 2021
Interesting read!
The anecdotal format of these stories from a career with the Nevada Highway Patrol was engaging and kept me turning pages. The stories were wide-ranging, well-told, and each was complete in itself. The author frankly loved his job as a state trooper and had great respect for most others working in the field, but at the same time he doesn’t shy from occasional examples of incompetence/corruption. I like the final thought(s) that wrap up each anecdote. I recommend it to readers interested in law enforcement memoirs or in people with “real” careers.
The anecdotal format of these stories from a career with the Nevada Highway Patrol was engaging and kept me turning pages. The stories were wide-ranging, well-told, and each was complete in itself. The author frankly loved his job as a state trooper and had great respect for most others working in the field, but at the same time he doesn’t shy from occasional examples of incompetence/corruption. I like the final thought(s) that wrap up each anecdote. I recommend it to readers interested in law enforcement memoirs or in people with “real” careers.
September 9, 2022
This was a wonderful book and audio book about the distinguished career of a Nevada State Trooper. Steve Raabe details his amazing career highlights, lows, funny and sad events he experienced. The chapters are short and by the time you reach the end, you don't want it to stop. It was a wonderful ride, and it was also wonderful to see the handoff to the younger generation. He includes some great tips and handy information as well. This gentleman was a credit to his profession and set a high bar for excellence. I hope he writes another edition, I'm certain he has more stories to tell.
August 18, 2018
It takes a Special Person to be a State Trooper
This book had an interesting mix of stories from sad to serious. Learning about what a Nevada state troopers' job is like, their training, every day duties, accident investigation made this a good read. I liked how each chapter was a stand-alone story. Someone interested in being a state trooper, especially in Nevada, should read the book. I'm not going to worry about getting my fix-it ticket returned. 😊
This book had an interesting mix of stories from sad to serious. Learning about what a Nevada state troopers' job is like, their training, every day duties, accident investigation made this a good read. I liked how each chapter was a stand-alone story. Someone interested in being a state trooper, especially in Nevada, should read the book. I'm not going to worry about getting my fix-it ticket returned. 😊
October 23, 2018
A Great Read
This is a very interesting book about the career of a Nevada Highway Patrolman. His stories are funny, sad and poignant. I grew up just down the street from a local Texas Highway State Trooper, and I have always looked up to troopers. They often drive hundreds of miles s day all alone . As with all jobs there are bad apples, but this guy and his son who followed in his footsteps were super.
This is a very interesting book about the career of a Nevada Highway Patrolman. His stories are funny, sad and poignant. I grew up just down the street from a local Texas Highway State Trooper, and I have always looked up to troopers. They often drive hundreds of miles s day all alone . As with all jobs there are bad apples, but this guy and his son who followed in his footsteps were super.
December 9, 2024
a great read
I always enjoy true stories of peoples lives , especially people who would give their all , as part of their job.these are life’s true heroes…this book is well written and the reader visits the highs and lows of a remote area highway patrol officer , funny , sad , and strange stories ,this book has them all.altogether a great read…and there’s another one for me to read next from Mr raabe…happy days.c, John.
I always enjoy true stories of peoples lives , especially people who would give their all , as part of their job.these are life’s true heroes…this book is well written and the reader visits the highs and lows of a remote area highway patrol officer , funny , sad , and strange stories ,this book has them all.altogether a great read…and there’s another one for me to read next from Mr raabe…happy days.c, John.
December 7, 2018
Great book
This is a very entertaining book but at the same it gives a look into the other side of job often do thankless. I have met quite a few people in law enforcement and this seems to a dedicated officer. We need more like him. I wish a good life to him and thanks to him and all. Police officers. I. Hope you
realize how much most people appreciate you.
This is a very entertaining book but at the same it gives a look into the other side of job often do thankless. I have met quite a few people in law enforcement and this seems to a dedicated officer. We need more like him. I wish a good life to him and thanks to him and all. Police officers. I. Hope you
realize how much most people appreciate you.
February 11, 2019
Very enlightening
I liked reading a book about law enforcement from someone who actually performed the job every day. To read the realities of what a Nevada State Trooper goes through was eye opening. This book reaffirms my support and respect for the law enforcement officers that risk their lives for our communities every day.
I liked reading a book about law enforcement from someone who actually performed the job every day. To read the realities of what a Nevada State Trooper goes through was eye opening. This book reaffirms my support and respect for the law enforcement officers that risk their lives for our communities every day.
May 26, 2019
Entertaining, human stories of a Nevada Highway trooper
Thoroughly enjoyable stories of patrolling Northern Nevada blend one into another in this memoir. I grew up in this area and enjoyed traveling back in time to read theses stories. You come to appreciate and like the man who wrote them. Thanks, Officer Raabe. Well done.
Thoroughly enjoyable stories of patrolling Northern Nevada blend one into another in this memoir. I grew up in this area and enjoyed traveling back in time to read theses stories. You come to appreciate and like the man who wrote them. Thanks, Officer Raabe. Well done.
April 4, 2021
Story after Story has been so interesting!
I didn't expert to be so interested in this book, but found that each chapter held another profound experience of what happens behind the scenes in the life of a state trooper. I really appreciated learning what a law enforcement officer has to go through on a daily basis. Thank you for such an awesome read!
I didn't expert to be so interested in this book, but found that each chapter held another profound experience of what happens behind the scenes in the life of a state trooper. I really appreciated learning what a law enforcement officer has to go through on a daily basis. Thank you for such an awesome read!
August 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I find it interesting to hear about the lives of police officers, who spend countless hours protecting us. This book was filled with stories that ranged from pleasant to terrible and intensely horrific. The author’s fabulous storytelling transported me directly into the scenes, letting me experience the stories firsthand.
January 19, 2019
A quick must read!
As a daughter of a highway patrol man, I found this book to be a great insight to my dads daily life while patrolling the Nevada highways. A quick and easy read. Well written. Much enjoyed
As a daughter of a highway patrol man, I found this book to be a great insight to my dads daily life while patrolling the Nevada highways. A quick and easy read. Well written. Much enjoyed
April 8, 2019
Wonder read!
Great read! Well done! Loved the variety of mini stories,couldn't put it down.True to life stories from a highway patrol,wish we had plenty like him in Florida now days!
Great read! Well done! Loved the variety of mini stories,couldn't put it down.True to life stories from a highway patrol,wish we had plenty like him in Florida now days!
April 12, 2019
State trooper
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It gave me an idea of what a Nevada State Trooper faces over a long career. The hard work, loneliness and humor involved were written into a very entertaining story.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It gave me an idea of what a Nevada State Trooper faces over a long career. The hard work, loneliness and humor involved were written into a very entertaining story.
January 19, 2020
This is an easy book to read. It's really a collection of short stories about the author's experience. There's no great insights to the human condition and not much detail about the west, but it's a fine book to spend some time with, put down and come back to.
April 13, 2020
A very interesting read. Some stories made me laugh, some made me cry, and still others left me asking "What was the bad guy thinking?" A quick read and stories that show the real life interactions of a State Trooper and the people he met.
August 18, 2018
Great sfirues
It was a fun read. I liked the short story format. Look forward to his next book. Definitely recommending this book to friends
It was a fun read. I liked the short story format. Look forward to his next book. Definitely recommending this book to friends
September 26, 2018
A jolly good read! Cops have the best stories; some are funny, many are sad, but all of them are interesting.
February 2, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I was born and have spent all my life in Reno-Sparks. It was fun knowing all the places the author was talking about. Maybe there will be another book.
September 9, 2019
One of those books where you say,"Everyone should read this."
Though I don't live in the US, I found the writer's account of his job very informative as well as interesting and well told. I think every American should read this book, to get a better picture of what the job entails for the officer writing out the ticket.
Raabe relates his accounts with compassion and humor. I appreciate that he doesn't sensationalize the grim parts.
In one chapter we also see how, sadly, even in the police force administrative high-handed interference and imprudence can derail a promising career.
I do believe this could be a great book for driver training classes, fostering understanding and compassion between lawmen and motorists.
Though I don't live in the US, I found the writer's account of his job very informative as well as interesting and well told. I think every American should read this book, to get a better picture of what the job entails for the officer writing out the ticket.
Raabe relates his accounts with compassion and humor. I appreciate that he doesn't sensationalize the grim parts.
In one chapter we also see how, sadly, even in the police force administrative high-handed interference and imprudence can derail a promising career.
I do believe this could be a great book for driver training classes, fostering understanding and compassion between lawmen and motorists.
September 11, 2019
Greatboom
I couldn't put the book down wanted to know what happened. I enjoyed the way it was written it kept your attention
I couldn't put the book down wanted to know what happened. I enjoyed the way it was written it kept your attention
October 18, 2019
Excellent, interesting,informative read about state troopers and how they patrol
January 21, 2022
good read
A professional book written by a professional trooper. Do your self a favor and read an excellent book. I’m glad I did.
A professional book written by a professional trooper. Do your self a favor and read an excellent book. I’m glad I did.
March 22, 2023
enjoyable
There are a lot of interesting stories in this book. Plenty to keep someone looking forward to the next one.
There are a lot of interesting stories in this book. Plenty to keep someone looking forward to the next one.
August 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The writer brought you into what daily life as a trooper really was/is. I finished the book wishing there was more! I definitely recommend this one
November 23, 2023
Good stories.
Law enforcement is a tough lonely job. Being in northern Nevada would be even worse I believe. Fun read. Recommend.
Law enforcement is a tough lonely job. Being in northern Nevada would be even worse I believe. Fun read. Recommend.
September 16, 2024
great stories
Many great stories that will give the reader a greater appreciation for the hard work that law enforcement officers put in.
Many great stories that will give the reader a greater appreciation for the hard work that law enforcement officers put in.
December 9, 2024
Thanks to the author for sharing his experiences!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews