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Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State: More True Tales from a Nevada State Trooper

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Back by popular demand, former Nevada State trooper Steve Raabe shares this companion collection of stories concerning his career patrolling, investigating, and administering some of the most desolate and dangerous highways in the vast American West.

Honest and hilarious, Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State includes heart-hammering scenes—a fatal shootout, a revenge bombing, deadly car crashes—while also providing fresh insights into law enforcement practices such as accident reconstruction, speed detection with radar and airplanes, seatbelt laws, and LEO hiring practices.

In the six years since Raabe’s first book, animosity towards law enforcement officers has only grown, and so too has our collective need for frank stories like these that demonstrate the essential role that competent, ethical, and courageous officers play in our society every day.

Praise for Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State:

Patrolling the Heart of the Silver State is an enduring salutation to a way of life that cannot be viewed as a job, a career, or even a profession. It is a calling, and one has to hear that call to truly understand what such a life entails. Though I have never met Steve Raabe personally, I know his kind. We are blessed to have them among us." --Ben H. English, author of Black and Tales of the Texas Highway Patrol

"A great continuation into the life of a Nevada Highway Patrolman and his journey through the ranks. From operations in the field to working administration, there's never a dull moment. What a wonderful tribute to a career that many will never truly understand but will appreciate and respect." --Tony Almaraz, former chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol

“Steve Raabe was a career highway patrolman who took his job very seriously, and himself much less so. This is a wonderful, humorous and at times poignant look back on a career well served.” --Mike Alger, KTVN TV Chief Meteorologist, Reno, Nevada and author of Snow Storm


Praise for Raabe's original collection of stories, Patrolling the Heart of the West:

"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

"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

"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.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

51 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

Steve Raabe

2 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Ursula Johnson.
2,048 reviews19 followers
July 9, 2024
More great tales from retired trooper Steve Raabe. I greatly enjoyed his first book. The author has a wonderful way of being humorous, yet serious and makes it entertaining. This book had more great stories, some funny, happy and sad of his experiences. He also shares information about what it takes to be a trooper, information about the state of Nevada (love those bits, really tells you about how unique the state is) and unfortunately politics. It's a wonderful heartfelt read. If you enjoyed the first book, you will love this one. If this is your first book, you will still enjoy it and I hope he shares more stories, including his son, also a trooper.
8 reviews
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February 4, 2025
insights in Law Enforcements

Expression, " Everyone likes red white and blue until they are lights seen in your rear view mirror.'
I learned to drive in a 1937 International wheat truck. In 72 years of driving I've certainly earned my share of traffic citations . But still today when stopped I will " Yes sir and No sir" to the officer.
They have a job which of late seen more criticism then praise so I am thankful to have the opportunity to reed this book.

Thank you Mr Raabe for your years of service and for illuminating day to day duties.
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books18 followers
December 14, 2024
This sequel is as interesting as the author's first book about being a Nevada state trooper. This second book, however, is less about individual situations and gives more of the nitty-gritty about becoming an officer, all the training they may need to take, and various positions Trooper Raabe held during his career. I especially recommend this book for anyone who dreams of a career in law enforcement.
344 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2024
great stories from a Nevada state trooper

The author has written an honest, compelling, hard to put down book about life in law enforcement, working as a state trooper. The stories are real and the dedication and courage are exemplary of life in law enforcement in rural communities throughout America. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Margaret Agard.
Author 2 books16 followers
June 11, 2024
A fun and informative read

Lots of good true-life stories sharing what it's really like to be a state trooper. Not a memoir in the sense of how the memoirist changed and grew, but lots of attention-grabbing stories.
Profile Image for Lance.
68 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2024
Being born and raised in Sparks, NV. It was great fun knowing the places and a lot of the names. Even the unnamed casino owner. Well done
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 2 books3 followers
September 11, 2024
an excellent and informative read

Really enjoyed these collected stories. And yes, as desired, I now have a better understanding and appreciation for the work of law enforcement!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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