The Red Dot Club

This book, written by my fellow Brother who I went through the same Academy Class with ( over 35 yrs ago). My wife too, to whom I have been married to for 31 years now. We both read Bob’s book. It gave us both chills. We both agree that the dedication to our Ram- Rod ( won’t spoil the name, for those who knew him) who we too credit helped us go home safe at night. My wife later was on the Academy Staff for LASD and we were both FTO’s in patrol, working ghetto areas, with some of worst gang members L. A. County had to offer. It was our training that we got at the Academy that gave us the strength and training to prevail. I am so glad that Robert had the courage and compassion to write this book. It is a sad day to go to an officers funeral and we attended our share. His compassion when interviewing other officer who were involved in OIS made me feel like I was there and am blessed to have made it home at the end of my shifts, even though had our share of fights and close calls. A couple of our brothers at our Stations, not so lucky. If I was still on the job and was still an FTO, I would make it mandatory every trainee and FTO read this book before their first night in patrol. I plan on ordering a dozen books and giving them to the officers where I live now and to a Chief up the street, so he can pass them out to his Officers. Bob, I look forward to getting together with you & God Bless you for writing this book, because their is no doubt in my mind, it will save an officer’s life and only those who belong to this elite club truly know what it feels like. I am happy to say, even though I came close many nights, I never became a member. God Bless you my Brother and all those ( past and present) who took up the calling to help those who couldn’t help themselves. You have my utmost respect....By His Grace,Ed Wetta

I got this book after listening to Rangel's interview on "things police see podcast". This is one of the best, if not the best, book I have ever read. It’s truly amazing. Totally recommend it .

What an amazing read, one of the best I’ve read in a long time. As a former LEO myself this has a perspective I can deeply relate to!

A good selection of stories I was familiar with having worked for L.A. County Sheriff's Dept for 36 years, at some of the stations mentioned. A little bit political propaganda at the end especially about "outlawing guns" from possession by upstanding citizens to protect their homes and selves, which is not what gun control, in my view is all about. AK-47's and thousands of rounds of ammo are not something most law-abiding citizens are carrying around, or are physically capable of carrying around on a regular basis, so I'm not sure how "gun control" is going to inhibit people from exercising their 2nd amendment rights when it comes to repelling the average street criminal. Not even the average street cop has that much ammo on hand (although there's probably a few!). But a lot of cops and military/former military have this view nowadays, even though the arguments aren't born out by many actual real events, including many involving cops. In my day, most cops seemed to be more inclined to NOT wanting criminals to have such easy access to buying or obtaining guns - their wasn't this knee-jerk assumption popular today that, "Oh, the crooks are going to get their guns illegally anyway, so why try controlling the purchasing powers of anyone?" Trouble is, this isn't the Wild West and few people are like the "legendary" Wyatt Earp. I like the movie too, but come on, most of these ideas about the nature of gunfights and the obviousness of who the good guys and bad guys are, or how easy it is for the "good guy" with a gun to kill or defeat the "bad guy" with a gun, are made in Hollywood to entertain us, not portray reality. Interestingly enough, the stories in this book actually illustrate that fact, and remember, these were some of the most hard-charging, most highly trained and experienced cops preternaturally more vigilant-minded and tuned into what was going on around them than the majority of citizens.

The Red Dot Club is a riveting collection of stories told by the author through interviews with those actually involved in shooting incidents. Most people will never have the opportunity to hear such details in the manner told here. Most will be shocked to know it doesn't happen as it does on TV or in the movies. Writing this book took an emotional toll on the author. That is clear in the writing, and no cop can hear these stories without reliving life-threatening situations they've experienced. For Robert to tell his own story, he is opening up and bleeding on the pages. To interview the others and report their stories as well, is to take on additional emotional weight. It is also to pull at the scabs and open old wounds, and I commend Robert for doing so. For the officers willing to tell their stories, thank you for your service and sacrifice, and for your willingness to open up and allow the public to see your pain and trauma and heroism. It's not easy to do and I admire you for it. Good job, Robert.

This was a fantastic book! Keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I heard Robert on a podcast called things police see. When he told his story I knew I had to get the book. I’m just starting on the second one. Victims voices. I’ll be sure to do another review!

Rangel's writing is real, raw and puts you right in the middle of the action. The drama that these officers face will have you on the edge of your chair. Some stories will shake you to the core. It'll change your mindset about guns and introduce you to the real heroes of this world - the members of the Red Dot Club.

Interesting and as I expected it to be.

In a world of proliferation of novels on the subject of crime, The Red Dot Club is unique. Each chapter retails the story of a police officer facing a bullet.My favorite genre of novel is the crime procedural. For example, I have read every single book by Michael Connelly, in the order that they were published, and am anxiously awaiting the next. So it was a complete surprise for me to read The Red Dot Club, and be astonished that none of the crime books I have read has ever told what an officer experiences when facing an armed criminal with his gun being aimed at him.Each chapter tells the story of a different incident. For me the most compelling was the Chapter 1, the author's own story. And believe me, only someone who has experienced this for themselves would be able to have written that chapter.I could only read this book one chapter at a time, as each is so overwhelming. It was so powerful to learn what thoughts of loved ones and family went through their heads. I have undying respect for the families that support these brave officers.I hope that some of our great crime writers absorb this book, and perhaps incorporate these narratives into their fiction,

Outstanding read, couldn't put this book down.