Patriot Shaped By War To Become Heroic Cop Reveals His Inspiring Story In A New Book

LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A half a century ago, a young high school dropout with several arrests, a boy-turning-man who grew up in a broken, impoverished home with 11 siblings in a bad neighborhood, and who as a child needed braces just to walk, joined the Marines to straighten his life out and serve his nation proudly during the Vietnam War. He exorcised some ghosts there. His dad was convicted of being a deserter in another war. When he returned, he knew what he wanted to become.  

Al Moreno had to overcome all types of obstacles to become a rookie cop at age 29. He went on to become a highly-honored hero in his seven-year stint with the Los Angeles Police. He has owned and run a successful private security company for the past 35 years. He is also the author of a powerful new book, In L.A.'s Last Street Cop  (Highpoint Lit; May 4, 2020).

In his insightful and story-filled book that reads like a Hollywood film, Moreno reveals the honor, courage, strength, and conviction needed to carry out a job that put his life – and the lives of others – on the line every day. He learned from his military service what it means to be a patriot, to serve and protect, and to defend the American dream.

"My war-time experiences helped prepare me for policing America's streets, and taught me about the discipline, hard work and determination needed to survive," says Moreno. "It also taught me about the sanctity of life."

He was one of three Moreno family members that enlisted military service. "The Moreno family had warriors in Vietnam from 1967 to 1971," he says. "My brothers, Art and Tony, were 11 Bravos in the Army infantry, and both were awarded Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars for valor. Tony was wounded and nearly died from his wounds."

Moreno earned a reputation as a cop who bent over backwards to avoid deadly police shootings, even when the interactions with the bad guys would have justified such actions. "Lethal violence is a last-resort tactic," says Moreno. "We want to stop crime and bring people to justice."

Indeed, Moreno believes that police officers don't always get the respect and praise they deserve. Nor do soldiers. He hopes that this coming Memorial Day all citizens will pause to honor the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought to defend our nation abroad – and within its streets.

For more information, please consult: www.laststreetcop.com.

SOURCE Al Moreno