Retired police officer residing in Nantwich publishes 'five-star' book with signings planned
Rave reviews and a five-star rating on Amazon have contributed to a flying start for a retired Cheshire Police officer turned author, starting a book signing tour.
'Plodding To The Top – The Journey From Police Constable To Police And Crime Commissioner' has been written by John Dwyer, also a detective, pilot, amateur ventriloquist, after dinner speaker and business consultant.
Nantwich resident, John, told Nub News: "I have only just started putting out feelers for book signings and four libraries immediately arranged dates in Crewe, Knutsford, Middlewich and Nantwich.
"The book was printed locally by Johnsons of Nantwich. Our wonderful county libraries are quickly getting on board.
"There has been an outstanding reaction on Amazon. It has all filled me full of optimism."
During his time in the service, John organised police teams dealing with serious criminals, race riots, motor prix safety, police aviation and the ultra-violent miners' strike of the mid 1980s, an emotive as well as dangerous time for a miner's son.
All this and much more, including protecting royalty as a member of Special Branch, is described vividly as John reveals the secrets and drama of his dazzling 30-year career.
The book takes readers inside the world of policing, seen factually through the eyes of one of the service's great innovators.
Starting as a trainee constable on the beat in his home town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, John moved on promotion to the West Midlands, where he set up an aviation unit, and ended up in Cheshire, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable.
One of many fascinating insights reveals the previously untold story od how John was a key player in helping Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and Home Secretary, Jack Straw. end the fuel crisis of 2000.
Petrol price protesters had chosen Stanlow oil refinery in Cheshire for their first demonstration, quickly followed by others across the country, forcing garage forecourts to fun out of fuel with a consequent threat to emergency services.
John was also instrumental in changing the DVLA stance regarding motor vehicle write-offs.
There's plenty of humour. For instance, John once not only arrested a hiding burglar but also saved his life: he discovered this rather dim criminal lying low in a freezer, the lid of which had locked shut.
The non-stop action of John's career - he survived instances of life-threatening violence - began after quitting accountancy against his family's wishes. They forecast unanimously he would not last six months as a police officer.
Over three decades later the same man was praised in parliament by another Home Secretary, Theresa May, for his excellent work as Cheshire's first Police and Crime Commissioner, shortly before she became Prime Minister in 2016.
John has always been far sighted as well as self-motivated. For three years midway through his police career he crammed in studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies, often making time by rising at 4.30am.
His book signings are admission free, and John does a talk and a Q&A. He is also encouraging local charities to host a similar event for which he will donate £3 for every book he signs and sells.
All are welcome at any of the venues arranged so far (below) Anybody from any walk of life who is interested discussing hosting a book signing can email [email protected] and provide a phone number:
- Thursday 19 June: Middlewich Library (2.30pm)
- Wednesday 2 July: Crewe Library (11.00am)
- Wednesday 2 July: Nantwich Library (2.30pm)
- Thursday 10 July: Knutsford Library July 10 (2.30pm)
READ MORE: Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes returns for 30th year of fun and festivities.
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