I started my career working as a laundry truck driver in the bowels of Detroit for a black owner named Arthur Earl and his silent white partner, Mr. Dupont from the famous Dupont family. Both were a great influence in my life with one of my children named after Mr. Earl. However, my dad was a cop and the strongest influence in my life. He thought it was a good job to raise a family. I trusted him and followed in his footsteps. He went the straight and narrow route climbing the ranks quickly to Chief. I couldn't do that. I loved the adrenaline of the streets and the pride I felt when I helped someone or "saved the day". I worked patrol, of course, but my curiosity and drive for new challenges led me to stints in community policing, P.A.L., D.A.R.E., family and adult criminal detective. I even did tours as a bicycle and motorcycle cop. I was also on our S.W.A.T. team for about ten years and hand-picked to work as an undercover narcotics officer for several years. I bought and sold drugs and was the inside man on gambling, extortion, prostitution and local mafia activities. For the most part, it was an absolute blast. In other ways, it chewed away my soul. My dad was right, it was a good job...but not to raise a family. I am now on marriage number two, retired from policing and currently work for the Department of Defense doing contract investigations. It's not bad. I miss the rush. Finally, I am finding time to pursue the dream I have had since I was a child; writing novels and movies. I am having a blast and my old age has allowed me to erase the fear of failure. Now, I don't care. I am ready to let the world in and see my dreams. If I could give you one piece of advice; don't wait til you are my age. Time is now finite. It may sound odd, but I encourage our children to fail on a regular basis. Embrace it. It is the only path to success. Best wishes, Chad W Richardson