Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line [Paperback]

Harry Penny (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

Harry wrote of his memories of his law enforcement years in a humorous fashion, memories he would like to share with all of us. There is a funny side to law enforcement, that, maybe no one ever sees. These stories are all true and set forth for enjoyment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Harry has over twenty years active sworn law enforcement with several agencies: Police Officer, Buena Park (CA) Police Department; Deputy Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department: Jail Division, Patrol Division, 5 years as a Field Training Officer, Technical Services Division; Special Deputy U.S. Marshal (Court Security) U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of California; over five years as a Reserve Police Officer (Sworn); Reserve Officer Chula Vista (CA) Police Department; and Barstow (CA) Police Department. He also has over twenty years active duty in U.S. Navy with fifteen years in the reserves. He retired from active duty as a Chief Petty Officer: Chief Hospital Corpsman (Aircrew/Fleet Marine Force) from active duty.He also served as an instructor, company commander, and recruiter. He is a Vietnam Veteran as well as a Gulf War Veteran (Desert Shield/Desert Storm). Harry has authored several works including the book, Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line and the award winning (National Library of Poetry) poem I'm the One Called which has been published in numerous military publications over a thirty-year period and continues to this day. He has also published various articles for small magazines and military publications. Along with being a professional singer and songwriter, he appeared in 1973 movie (with his musical group-The Penny Brothers) The Doll Squad starring Michael Ansara, Francine York, Anthony Eisley, directed by Ted V. Mikels. He the wrote music and lyrics to Wish I Were A Boy, Again, which was recorded, but not released. He has performed throughout the United States including Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles/Hollywood. He is married with four children and seven grandchildren.He lives in Southern California with his wife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Bridge Of Love/Angelic Encounter (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939040476
• ISBN-13: 978-0939040476
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,755,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truth Really IS Stranger Than Fiction!, August 31, 2008

By 

S. Huss - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line (Paperback)

I never stopped laughing. I was a Deputy Sheriff from 1968 to 1992 and even remember some of the people and incidents that Harry Penny immortalized. For the average person many of his stories evoke an immediate, "No way!" For those who have been there, however, the immediate response is, "How true!" There is enough tragedy and disappointment in everyday police work to provide the much talked about stress to give some officers life long emotional problelms like PTSD. Being able to find things to laugh about provides a safety valve to lower that stress. Harry Penny has captured the funny side of law enforcement brilliantly!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's funny, May 30, 2009

By 

Marilynne Smith (North County, San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line (Paperback)

I thought, sure, Police Humor, but the humor in this book is truly funny. It's also a great book to read in pieces - one that you can pick up and put down, though I'll warn you, sometimes it's hard to put down.

5.0 out of 5 stars BEEN THERE - DONE THAT !, October 22, 2008

By 

Joseph H. Race "Jose Mango" (SAIPAN, MP United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line (Paperback)

Harry Penny and his colleagues have turned out a great record of what happens behind the scenes in law enforcement, and of course, sometimes right in front of the video cameras. There is pathos and sadness in police work, but there are many light moments, which serve as the catharsis to get you through the violence and tragedy committed against the victims by the two-legged criminal predators. I probably crossed paths with Harry, being a 45-year veteran of law enforcement, half of which I spent in Los Angeles, and can relate right on to the vignettes, and some of the characters. My wife asked me several times "Why are you laughing out loud?"...and all I could say "Been there - done that!" Harry, superb job - I know my police buddies will enjoy and treasure this book. Being now retired, the book brought back some fond memories. Recommended reading and sharing!