Black and White

Tales of the Texas Highway Patrol

By: Ben H. English

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

You know I never saw an officer, an EMT, a fireman, or an ER crew ask anyone what their politics were and then refuse to care for them because of their answer. The color of skin pigment, the last name, the amount of money in a bank account, none of that mattered. All that mattered was someone needed help, and they had the skills as well as the burning desire to do so. Yes, they are only human and internally flawed and prejudiced as any other. But their true nature, their crowning glory in mortal life, is their ability to rise above those flaws and prejudices when called upon. In a world of hungry, destructive wolves, they stand as the sheepdog who serves and protects the flock.

©2022 Ben H. English (P)2022 Creative Texts Publishers, LLC

good old days

the book about the good old days in small West Texas towns. Now they are 75% Spanish-speaking, and all it is gone.

moving recant of life behind the badge

Black and White....just the facts but an amazing walk down memory lane. Thank you

Amazing

I loved it. I laughed, cried, got mad. As a retired volunteer firefighter paramedic I understand

Excellent Stories

Mr. English relates many stories from his years as a Texas Highway Patrolman. He does so with dignity and respect for the badge, his fellow officers and the citizens of Texas. Some stories are heart wrenching, some are humorous, and all are very, very human. Highly recommended.

Real life drama

I recommend "Black and White." Mr. English shares real life tales from his days on the Texas Highway Patrol. Many stories are hard to believe and gut-wrenching, but shows the bravery of these courageous patrol officers.

Excellent - Highly Recommend

Listen. Read. Or both. It will be time well-spent. This is a well-written book, and the narration by Christopher Lane only adds to the appeal. The stories are humorous, sad, even gut-wrenching at times, exciting, and always thought provoking.
In this time when people are so quick to critcize and second-guess law enforcement and most all first responders, this book provides a glimpse of what it is like to make split-second life and death decisions and some of the potential consequences of those decisions. After reading, you will likely change your views about those who choose to serve and protect us all. "Black and White: Tales of the Texas Highway Patrol" is also a fitting tribute to those people whose stories are told. Though not always an easy read, it is worth the effort and is a book not soon forgotten.

Unwavering commitment to the community

To serve and protect aren’t just words painted on a car or written in the rule book; they represent a deep-seated commitment by an individual. Reading or listening to this book opens one’s eyes to the life of a law enforcement officer—unvarnished stories. The collection of stories represents Ben English’s career, one situation after another told in a way that puts the reader into his shoes. This memoir would change your perspective if you thought that donuts and coffee were the mainstays of an officer’s day. The public needs to realize and appreciate that the decades of service are commendable for the majority of men and women who live this career choice.

The instruction and annual recertification these officers go through is not a cakewalk. Each day presents new situations and new challenges that change over the years. The comparison described the author’s marine boot camp and subsequent training to patrol Texas highways; each offered tough challenges. Wild highspeed chases, split-second choices, aftermath at fatal accident scenes, rushing to an active shooter before an innocent is injured, and finding out how evil predators wreck innocent lives unfold between these pages. The tragic loss of losing fellow officers will make your heart ache for Ben and others who’ve lived this life.

Each of these stories is told so that one can see, hear, feel, smell, and touch the elements. There is a smattering of lighthearted banter and camaraderie between the ugly realities that remind the reader these are people, not machines. Today’s media too often criticizes law enforcement rather than highlighting the sacrifices many make to defend their community. Ben English doesn’t call out the names of those who made mistakes but pays tribute to those who admirably served and supported him, which illustrates his honor.

The narration by Christopher Lane flawlessly tells these stories with perfect pace and cadence. I highly recommend this book to those interested in the day-to-day work lives of those who protect our communities.