Published: September 2016
ISBN: 9781943276028
Grant Whitus joined the Colorado SWAT in 1992. His 17 year career was one of constant headlines. Among leading countless drug raids and hostage situations, he was on the front lines of the Columbine Massacre, the Platte County Tragedy, the Albert Petrosky shooting, and the Granby tank rampage.
Speaking for the first time, Whitus gives the unvarnished truth of those, and many other, major SWAT operations. Now retired, he opens up about his time behind the shield. Bullet Riddled is the full unabridged disclosure of what happened during his storied career; including the brutal morning of the Columbine Massacre. More than just a retelling, Bullet Riddled is an in-depth look at the day-to-day of SWAT and focuses on the men and women who inherit so much pain to keep us safe.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy. The following days saw major changes within SWAT: Men cracked, leaders folded and the entire country demanded changes. But these changes, like all reforms, met with stiff resistance from the old guard. Friendships turned into rivals and the infrastructure of SWAT began to unravel. As resignations piled up, Grant rebuilt the entire team from hand-selected recruits. He finally had his elite team, one that would face new demons and disorders.
My review
First of: if you are faint of heart or do not like foul language, you better think again before reading this book. Officer Grant gives you an insight into a day in the life of a SWAT member. And what a day: you not only are taken inside of Columbine, but also at some other horrific days where brain matter is splashed across the ceiling and poor girls are shot point blank in the head. So, definitely make sure your lunch or diner is properly digested before starting this book.
Whitus is brutally honest in his autobiography. Some would say he is an arrogant jerk, and a lot of people take offence on his language and rampage on bad guys. But although you may not agree with him, the book will give you an idea what the police goes through during those kinds of shoot-outs or tragedies.
As a European I can't imagine why there are people in the United States still pro-guns after reading the tragedy at Columbine. Of course we have our share of horrible tragedies, but since we are not allowed to own a gun, these kind of situations as at Columbine are very foreign to me. To read about it (even as it is horrific) is very educative and informative. The writer takes you on a trip on memory lane, with every chapter a new phase or incident in his life. He takes you by the hand and leads you by all the tragedies step by step. He explains why they do what they do and how. And also what was changed in their working methods after each incident. It's a lot of food for thought, and no matter your opinion on officer Grant as a person, I think you can not disagree with me that this guy (with his row of honours and prizes) has been a valuable member of the police force. And next time you see or hear about a hostage situation or a shoot-out, you can relate to how the officers at the scene must feel and act. A deep bow for Grant Whitus. And four stars for Bullet Riddled.
