Marilyn's Musings

We’re excited about the featured speakers joining us for the 2018 Conference! They’re speaking on a variety of public safety, writing craft, and marketing topics.  Register today to hear these wonderful experts. SWAT Concepts for the Patrol Officer Dave Freedland Dave Freedland worked his way up through the ranks from patrolman to deputy chief of the Irvine, California Police Department. Among his many duties, Freedland was also a commander of the department’s SWAT Team, which was among the most professional and best-trained teams in the nation. They trained at Camp Pendleton with the US Navy SEALS and responded to numerous call outs, all of which involved high risk, life-and-death situations. Dave will present an overview of SWAT training along with highlights of some of the missions he and his team handled. You’ve seen the TV show, now see the real-life heroes in action. Pursuit/E mergency Response Driving–Getting it Right John Schembra VP PSWA  ...

                By John R. Schembra       I have been writing for several years now, with four books published, a fifth at the publisher to be released in the next few months, and a work-in-progress.   Three of my four books have won awards in writing competitions, with one book having garnished three awards. Needless to say, I am very proud of that and somewhat amazed.   When I began writing, being new at the game and not having a clue as to what I was doing, I never imagined this could happen. But with the help of a very supportive group and its excellent conference, I managed to turn out award worthy stuff. That group is the Public Safety Writer’s Association ( www.policewriter.com ).  If I had any questions, technical or editorial, I could pose that question to the group email and in a few hours, would have multiple replies with suggestions, solutions, or referrals to writing resources and we...

Marilyn: John Schembra is one of the first friends I made in the PSWA. I don't remember the exact place we did meet. But since that time he's attended several PSWA conferences and we've participated in the same book fairs. John: Actually, I think we met at the Jack London Writer's Conference in Santa Clara. I happened to sit next to you during a seminar and we started talking. I hadn't been published yet and you gave me some very good advice both on writing and getting published. You told me about electronic publishing and about the PSWA. It interested me, especially since it's members were all part of the law enforcement community. I thought it would be interesting to attend the conference and meet the members. I was not disappointed! I attended the conference that year at the Reno Peppermill and found it to be very worthwhile and a whole lot of fun! Marilyn: Tell my blog readers a bit about yourself. John: About me- I grew up in Oakland and San Leand...