Hero to Zero

by Zach Fortier

Zach Fortier is back with more true crime accounts from the streets. This time with true stories of Cops gone bad. Join Zach as he meets a cop who will be a future member of the FBI’s 10 most wanted, hunted for a brutal quadruple murder and that is just the beginning!, Zach details Cops that make every mistake possible, Theft, Murder, Fraud, Drug Abuse and more.
Cops ending up in prison themselves. Proving the point that “Anyone is capable of anything given the right set of circumstances”. Take a ride on the dark side of Law Enforcement. The side the cops rarely talk about.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Ebooks, Crime

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2013

About the author

2013 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2014 Readers Favorite Gold and Silver medal winner
Finalist in 2014 Chanticleer Book awards contest
2015 IPPY Bronze Medal winner
2015 semi finalist Kindle Book Awards (X2)
2015 Finalist in the IAN book awards (X2)
2015 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2015 Readers Favorite Finalist true crime/non fiction(x2)
2015 Finalist Kindle Book Awards
2015 Finalist USA Today book awards (x3)
2015 Finalist Chanticleer Clue book awards(x3)
2015 First place award in the Chanticleer Clue book awards contest in true crime.
2015 Winner of the Book Pipeline contest.
2016 Winner of the NIEA book awards in African American non fiction
2016 Finalist Kindle Book awards
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards winner in suspense genre.
2017 Finalist in the NIEA Book Awards in Suspense genre
Finalist in Biography General in the 2017 American Book Fest International book awards
Finalist 2017 Kindle Book awards
Short List 2017 Chanticleer Clue awards.
Bronze medal in the 2017 Readers Favorite Book contest in Suspense genre
Awarded Silver medal in the 2018 eLit Book Awards contest in the Mystery/thriller genre Finalist in Biography genre in the 2018 Book Excellence awards contest.
Bronze medal in the 2018 Readers Favorite Book contest in Thriller genre
Semi finalist for 2018 Chanticleer Clue awards
Solo medal winner of the 2018 New Apple Book awards contest in the Psychological Thriller category.
Solo medal winner in the 2019 Book Excellence book award contest in the suspense genre .
Bronze medal winner in the 2019 Readers Favorite international book awards contest in the fiction-suspense genre
Named as an Official Selection in the 2019 New Apple Summer E book awards contest in the Psychological Suspense genre
First Place winner in the 2019 Top Shelf book awards contest.
Winner of the 2020 Book Excellence book awards contest in Sci Fi Genre
Awarded 1st place in Chanticleer's 2020 Cygnus book awards contest for Science Fiction

Zach Fortier was a police officer for over thirty years specializing in K-9, SWAT, gangs, domestic violence, and sex crimes as an investigator. He has written several books about his life in police work. CurbChek won the bronze medal for True Crime in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Street Creds and Curbchek Reload won a gold and silver medal respectively for True Crime in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. His other works are Hero To Zero, which details the incredibly talented cops that he worked with that ended up going down in flames, some ended up in prison and one on the FBI’s ten most wanted list. Landed on Black described the toxic culture of the police department and streets, ultimately leading to the realization that Zach has been diagnosed with PTSD. I am Raymond Washington is the only authorized biography of the original founder of the Crips and has been awarded bronze medals in 2015 by both IPPY and Readers Favorite International book awards. Baroota: The Hunting Ground is Zach’s first fictional work, and is the start of this series, followed by Cachibache, Izadi and Chakana. All books in the Director's Series are award winning. If you are looking for gritty, true crime stories, be sure to check out all of Zach Fortier’s novels. Zach currently lives in the mountains of Colorado, with his wife Christina.



www.zachfortier.com
E mail: authorzachfortier@gmail.com

Reviews

[Shannon Gambino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a style similar to CurbChek, Zach Fortier provided us with enough crash and burn material to easily satisfy our morbid rubbernecking curiosity. We all go through phases of thinking that our lives are in the pits until we read the stories in Hero to Zero and realize we might not have it so bad, after all. Mr. Fortier recounted approximately twenty-five police officers from his past who rose to fame and plummeted into shame merely by their choices. Split second decisions to lie, steal, control, imbibe, fight, fornicate, and/or loaf brought the offending officers shame, unemployment, jail time, or even death. Real-life stories of those bound to uphold the law prove that even they were not above the law, and eventually, the company they chose to keep pulled them down and cost them everything.

From rags to riches to a lovely shade of orange, I had to laugh at some of the stories because of the minimal effort it took for the characters to go down in flames. Hero to Zero had me cringing, chuckling, and rolling my eyes at the behavior. Moral of the story: keep your pants zipped up and your hands out of other people’s pockets. A thumbs up for Hero To Zero.

[Kater Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this off bookbub, figuring that I was willing to take a chance on a free book. It's exactly as promised: stories of cops who went from excelling in their career to being persona-non-grata, usually because of hubris.

Fortier has a direct style of writing. For the most part, it's "just the facts" but when he has an opinion of a person's character, he doesn't hide it. Ther stories themselves are fascinating, and more than once I wished he would expand on it. Any one of these stories could be the outline for its own novel. I've read many true-crime novels with less material to work with. So in a way, it was frustrating that Fortier didn't elaborate and find out more details in some cases. He'd just say something like "so and so eventually got caught in a drug bust and arrested for being with an underage girl" and I'd think "Wait, tell us more about that!" but he'd just go on to the next story.

I liked this book. It was pretty short, but it had a distinct viewpoint that felt authentic and I enjoyed getting to know more about what it's like to be a cop.

I recommend this for fans of true crime novels.

[Gabriel Laserna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful look into the professional and personal lives of policemen and women. True and often sad tales of good officers who make bad choices and watch as their careers implode because of it. A compelling, fascinating and often times comical look into a world most "daywalkers" never experience.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero to Zero

A Cops Meltdown

Another great read from Zach Fortier. “Anyone is capable of anything given the right set of circumstances”. Sad statement but so very true! This book is reality.

If you have ever wondered what happens to cops who continue to go through stresses and strains of life. This book is for you. Everything from theft, embezzlement, drugs abuse, cheating wives and husbands, and even murder is all in this book. Military cops, City cops, Sheriffs, and Highway Patrol all are Heroes but then shit happens...

This book is heartbreaking reading stories about people who are living their dream being amazing cops then fall from doing something stupid. Other stories about cops who should not be cops from the very beginning reading them fall is justice served.

I love Zach’s style he has a way of making you think you are there instead of just turning the pages of a book. Then there are times when you are reading then saddening you finish a story and think…I just did not read that…the visions stay in your mind and you just cannot shake them…

Not my favorite book because I disliked reading about how and why these exceptional amazing cops did what they did. Sometimes even administration trying to covering up things that are bad. Making bad decisions is part of life, but reading about cops fall to ZERO crashing to the ground off that pedestal that we put cops on just is tough, but it happens way more than any of us know.

Cannot wait until the next book… Keep them coming Zach Fortier!

[Holly Morey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a look at everyday police officers who ruined their careers by doing something stupid. The stories were very interesting but the writing had a lot to be desired. I think this book would have been more interesting if the author was more objective and hadn't personally known the subjects. I doubt that I will read any other books by this author.

[Carolyn Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling: A Real-Life Look Behind the Blue Line

"No sane person alive would take this job."

This sentence from the book sums up Hero to Zero. Under the eye of the media, but wanting nothing to do with it, a true cop has to balance a fine line between good and bad.

As a former cop, the author pulls from experience and he puts it this way: `anyone is capable of anything given the right circumstances'. The real life stories retold in this book make it clear that statement holds merit.

You have cops who have dreamed of being such all their lives only to make bad decisions, or have misplaced loyalties prove to be their downfall. With some it takes years for their undoing, and for others a relatively short amount of time. In most cases, the outcome is heartbreaking even if for some, it seems justice has prevailed.

This is the 2nd book I've read of Zach Fortier's; the first being Curbchek. While both books could be used as research material for the crime author, I found Hero to Zero to be a compelling read and it provides unbelievable insights into "cop life".

For one, it reaffirms the myth about the secrecy and confidentiality inside the brotherhood of blue--it does exist even if on a expiry date.

For me, this book instilled a deeper respect for those who serve and who have served.

"You might read about one rape that occurred the previous night or one fatal crash. Cops...see all of it. Not the single case that gets printed but the dozens that don't. They don't just read about it, they live it. The screams of the helpless and wounded in pain: the smell of blood, brains, and s*** of the near dead and dying. They see and experience it all and come back the next night for the next installment of what the rest of us rarely even realize is going on, every day, all day long." - Hero to Zero

[Jenny Karraker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like the Dirty Harry character was writing this book, with the hard guy approach, swearing, and simple statement of facts about cops who had experienced success and then fell from grace. I think being a policeman and being exposed to so much evil and corruption has got a take a toll of your life, whether professionally or personally. It almost made me mistrust every cop I see. However, I needed to remember that though these men and women failed, many others have succeeded and not given in to the temptation of drugs, big money, corruption, etc. Always trying to understand what's happening, I wondered if there were any common denominators in these people's lives. It did seem that many were not secure in their own skin, and the pull of power and control that the police force gives filled that void in their life and took over. Several seemed to be rigid in their beliefs in the sanctity of marriage and didn't set appropriate boundaries with selfish and immoral wives, which eventually cost them their careers. Others were lazy, just doing the bare minimum, but trying to make themselves look better than they were. Others had horrific childhood situations that they were not able to overcome. I guess their stories just reflect human nature with all our weaknesses and foibles, baggage and fears. However, in such dangerous and high profile positions, they are more vulnerable, and the fall is often harder and farther and definitely more visible which makes their stories all the sadder.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hero To Zero" is Zach Fortier's latest book that exposes what life as a cop is really like. This one focuses not on the various crimes that he witnessed, but the crimes and personal issues of the cops themselves. It's gossipy in the best way, and even though you don't personally know the cops (who are for the most part assigned aliases) you still find yourself snickering at their downfall, or shaking your head being thankful that they were caught.

Why is it that people enjoy stories like this? I am not really sure why its human nature to enjoy hearing about the downfall of the fallen heroes among us, but there is no one that can tell it better than Fortier. The stories are gritty, told is a personal and conversational manner. It feels like you're chatting over a beer or something, which makes it a quick and enjoyable read. My parents loved it too, as well as Fortier's other books.

[Ashley Fontainne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his typical raw, rough and real style, Zach Fortier brings another page-turner of a book! One filled with tales about cops that decided to walk on the wrong side of the law for a variety of reasons.

And what happens when they fall from they pedestal that we have placed them on.

Some of the fallen more than deserved to no longer wear a badge. When they get their comeuppance, you can't help but smile. And Zach's unabashed, unapologetic words leave no room to wonder exactly how he feels about the situation!

Others, that started out with the true heart and soul of a crime-fighter, succumb to the deadly lure of worldly traps. When they take their nosedive, you can't help but cringe.

A realistic look inside the lives of the people that carry a badge, and what happens when they tarnish it.

Gripping and intense, so if you are a Fortier Fan, grab this one!

[Holly Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Zach Fortier as thanks for having read and reviewed his previous efforts.

Hero to Zero tells the stories of real life "hero" cops, and how they came to be viewed as great officers in their departments and their communities. Fortier then details their falls from grace, their loss of their police credentials and their careers. The causes? Usually greed, ego, or just plain stupid decisions - just like the rest of us. The stories are each fascinating in their own way, as are the behind-the-scenes details of life in law enforcement. Fortier has put out another excellent work with this book. I would give it 5 stars but for editing issues (easily fixed - hope his publisher does this ASAP!). Good work, Mr. Fortier!

[Name Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Hero to Zero and, as all of Zach's books, it did not disappoint. I love reading about what really goes on in our world - the world we never hear about. I am always amazed at the stories Zach has to share. His walk on the "dark side" of law enforcement is page-turning.
Hero to Zero is an interesting account of those in uniform whom most of us look up to, look to for help, look to for guidance, and wouldn't ever imagine acting in any way like those they are protecting us from. This book gives us the inside scoop in the no-nonsense way that Zach sees life around him and is written in that same no-nonsense way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and, once again, can't wait for the next book!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much in the same style as Fortier's other books. Hero to Zero is based on a "hero" in the perception of the public eye who are exposed and fall to zero. Zach alway has a way of making me feel like I was there. Just like his other book it was very intriguing and I couldn't put it down. This book sheds light on the circumstances, evidence, and motivations surrounding these horrific events. It goes to show that those on top, usually fall the hardest. A tribute to those who have suffered amazing tragedy and persevered through shear determination...and those who lost everything in the face of shattered fame.

[Roxanne Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thought provoking and interesting read especially for those coming from a sheltered upbringing/ lifestyle. Reading about murders, adultery, DUI's etc sound so grim and troubling; hard to imagine the ordeal that these law enforcement officers go through in their private lives while trying to do their daily jobs, I tip my hat to law enforcement personnel because they risk their lives and sometimes it is a thankless job dealing with so many unsavory and shady characters and criminals. I am not cut out for that career but bravo to those that are part of it and do it with honor and loyalty. I recommend the book and it's an easy read.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a very conversational style. That made it very easy to read.
The stories are interesting, but short. Some would say that is good some would say bad. I read this entire book on my Samsung Galaxy. Like I said very easy to read, lol :)

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. you knocked it out of the park again. really enjoyed this book. glad that i was able to get a copy of it. can't wait for your next book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by this author. It's unbelievable what really happens behind the scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is just boring and the writing style really bad. I regret the time I waste reading it. Still, it may be interesting for people who overlook grammar and style issues.

[Walter Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Zach Fortier book is easily the most pessimistic of his...and really shows how off the author is.

[Scarygirl13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!

[Eryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got about halfway through this book. (I actually forgot I was reading it and moved on to something else, to be honest.) The stories do read as true-to-life, but the style hit me as "I knew this one guy who..." and "There was this one dude who was the best, but then it got to him." Fortier's style is a bit better than that, but it's the aftertaste one's left with. I felt like I was sitting at a bar listening to these stories rather than engaged in them.

[Charles Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book

I really enjoyed these true vignettes of cops that went bad. They were short and to the point. A few could have used a little more development and/or background, but that might have made them boring. If you are a fan of true stories of cops that have gone bad, this book should appeal to you.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of short stories about law enforcement officers the author knew that did something stupid. All but one of the names are fictitious so their is no way to look up any additional details. I would imagine that was for legal reasons.

It was an ok read about people doing stuff they most definitely should have known better.

[Terri Garcia-hanoumis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police Stories

The book was a good fast read, but recommend if you like police stories and know the pressure of the job and the different personality of a position to protect the public.

[Nena · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review of CurbChek.

[Lon Smolensky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a look at everyday police officers who ruined their careers by doing something stupid. The stories were very interesting but the writing had a lot to be desired.

[Karen Chung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Landed on Black, just for all its insights into a world I know little of, i.e. law enforcement and criminality, so I looked forward to reading this book by the same author for the same reason. I liked Landed on Black a bit better, I think. And the "The higher they go, the harder they fall" approach of this one sometimes made me feel a bit uneasy, especially whenever I sensed hints of Schadenfreude lurking in the narration. But it was once more interesting both due to its first-hand expose of the worlds of police work and lowlifes, and also due to its outright gossipiness. The little bits of self-examination by the author, i.e. regarding his series of unsuccessful marriages, also gave me pause. So if this kind of thing appeals to you, you may want to give this one a try. Be ready for some harrowing stories though, the last one in particular. You may end up with a good bit more cynicism regarding law enforcement officers.

Police work is extremely demanding and risky, and it doesn't pay all that well, which made me wonder why anybody would want to do it. In addition, there is a grueling battery of tests, including psychological ones, that an applicant must pass before being accepted into the force. This made me wonder a bit, since one would think that it would be hard enough to find someone willing to do this work without making it so hard to get in. Then I remembered how much power you get over other human beings once you bear a badge, and power always leads to abuse of power - as documented many times over in Fortier's books. So police forces need to do what they can to weed out those most likely to abuse the power they will hold. The temptations, however, often prove to be too much for many recruits to resist, as you will find out in this series of portraits of police officers who rose high and then fell, hard.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the most dangerous, stressful, underappreciated, and underpaid careers is that of a law enforcement officer. Members of the armed forces aren’t put on the line daily and when they are in combat or some other dangerous situation, they are in mass and not solo or duo in a patrol car. Policemen and/or detectives are often placed in situations where temptations can take the upper hand. From the natural power base of law enforcement, abuse of that power is an all too common occurrence. Good cops can go down to zero just as fast as bad ones.

Zach Fortier, an ex-cop, relates stories of police officers that fall from a pedestal to crash into oblivion. Twenty-four examples are used to demonstrate officers moving from hero to zero. With the exception of Robert Michael Allen, all the names have been changed for obvious reasons.
I find this book disturbing for a number of reasons. First of all, these officers, from both the police and sheriff’s departments are apparently all from the same city/county. Even in the span of thirty years, the number seems large. To think that if so many of the people sworn to serve and protect our exit in ignominy and shame (and these are only the ones that have been exposed), it doesn’t make me feel any safer at home, work, or on the streets. Occasionally the tone of this story sounded patronizing, pompous, arrogant, and condescending. I prefer fiction over real-life books because the latter is a stranger and much more brutal than the former and much more difficult to balance and rational away.

[Nyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it does feel like spying into the lives of others. Zach Fortier, a 30-year veteran of the police, writes about fellow officers who went from the top of their careers to the bottom for various reasons ranging from poor judgment to criminal behavior. I bought several books by the same author and this is the first one I have read. Very interesting at first, but then becomes a bit repetitive. Some of the officers make you feel sorry for them and others you can only despise. The book does not portray the author in an especially favorable light because of the attitude of superiority he projects, or maybe it's his bravado. For me, the most interesting thing about the book was my reaction to the author. I'm still puzzled by it. Perhaps after reading "Curbchek" I will change my view of him or get more clarity on my negative reaction.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Zach's books I have read this one was straight and to the point. There are no mincing of words, there is no beating around the bush and there is no trying to step lightly around other's feelings. Zach tells it like it happened and makes no apologies for it. Even when it comes to describing his own life with its ups and downs, Fortier is brutally honest. This book is about cops who climbed the ladder in the force only to make foolish decisions and crash and burn. Fortier lets us know how being a cop can leave scars on the inside that may never heal. We get to look at how it can destroy marriages, break up friendships and change lives. This was another solid book by Zach and I am glad I got a chance to read it.

[Adam Irving · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I was hoping for a little more from this book. While I appreciate the viewpoint the author is coming from, it seems the book could have more aptly been titled "Dirty Cops I Knew," as all the stories had some personal connection to the author. While it does give a certain authenticity, I'd been hoping for a more broadly researched book. That being said, it is very direct and no-nonsense, which can be refreshing. The chapters/cases are short - too short in some ways - and you can burn through them quickly.