Former Gardner MA Police Chief Edward Cronin Writes “Just Policing; My Journey to Police Reform.”
The self-published book is dedicated “For Sue, My love and partner.” and acknowledges a number of individuals. Cronin states, “Writing this book has been a very long process that began several years ago. It wasn’t until I met and talked with my co-author Dayna Kendall, that this book finally came to life. “ Cronin met often with Kendall at various coffee shops.
The forward to the book was written in March of 2022 by Dr. Sayra Pinto, the Chief Practitioner of Moon Jaguar Strategies, who writes in part, “I think you should read this book because I had goosebumps the entire time that I read it….story of a man who taught me, over four years, the difference between the police in Honduras and what the police can be in the United States….This book tells the story of what America can be: A land where laws, votes, relationships, and visions count….a teaching tool in the creation of the America that will belong to all of us.”
The kindle version with a short preview of the book is available on Amazon. CLICK HERE
There is also a website for the book: CLICK HERE
Revealing is who Cronin thanks. Chair of the Criminal Justice Program, Dr. Eve. Buzawa at Umass. For inspiring his critical thinking. Friends including Renee Berrian from Project Harmony in Waitsfield, Vermont. Former Fitchburg Police Department supervisor, Captain Joseph Carbone for quietly mentoring, encouraging, and guiding Cronin. Attorney Ed Ryan for critical assistance in becoming a a police officer and for supporting and assuring Cronin’s appointment as Fitchburg Police Chief. To Systems thinking expert Carol Sharicz who he credits to helping reduce crime in Fitchburg. To Board Chair of Moon Jaguar Strategies and Chief Restorative Practitioner Syra Pinto for helping him understand the consequences of systemic racism and applying corrective methods. His daughter Jessica for her birth, love, presence, enjoyment, helping to sustain him and inspire him to lead a life of growth and support of others. To his stepchildren Aaron and Cicely. And to his wife Susan, who has been at his side for 37 years.
Chapters in the book include: 1. Epiphany: A Christmas Nightmare 2. Growing Up: Sorting Through Bedlam 3. Learning Policing: The Real Story 4. Umass Lowell: Putting in the Extra Effort 5. Learning the Job: Trying to Organize Chaos 6. Oxford: What I Thought I Knew 7. Russia: Shock and Awe 8. Gardner Police: Careful What You Ask For 9. Project Harmony: Taking it to the International Community 10. Return to Fitchburg; Executing the Plan 11. Bag Job: Or Who Stole My Cheese! 12. Sayra and Systems: Finally, There was hope! 13. Searching for Answers: Unexpected Results 14. In the Shadows: Negotiating the Pain 15. A Virus Takes Leave: Back to the International Arena 16. My Stay at the Lodge: More Success for Fitchburg 17. Moldovan Life and Politics: Proving Myself Again! 18. The Plan and the Mission: From Corruption to Success! 19. Just Police Reforms: History Tells Us So!
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