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Tales From the Dad Side

Putting pen to paper and memorializing events and discoveries through writing was always a notion far removed from my mind. In fact my father disclosed to me several years prior to his death that he recalled an occasion where he was contacted by one of my primary school teachers, voicing their concern over my perceived inability to communicate through written form. Their fear was; I would be unable to effectively communicate in our modern society unless drastic measures were taken. In the humble manner, only my father could consistently portray, he simply assured her that I would succeed just fine and never again was a word spoken about the issue until more than thirty years later. 

Seemingly, my father knew that hidden deep inside me, the true person would be reveled one day. Until approximately  fifteen years ago, one would seldom find my written words and even less common hear me speak of my beliefs and feelings relating to current events. I somberly went about my life, interacting as anyone would, reclusive by nature but constantly striving to find and spotlight the good in everyone I came in contact with. 

As I matured I found that the outward, clean cut, professional good guy characteristics could co-exists with the fun, let it all hang out, goofy side, restrained deep inside me. I credit my daughters fully for helping me understand this and unleashing my true self upon the world. 

Each human experiences potentially life altering, or enhancing, events which many times go un-realized because of a wide array of reasons. This simple journey, “Tales from the Dad Side” is merely an expression of one mans learning how to begin the process of recognizing and applying those events in our lives in hopes that true joy, understanding, and happiness will result. 

Sit back, grab some refreshments, and embark upon this journey with me as we draw wisdom from one of the most challenging yet rewarding occupations there is… being a parent.      

The Calling: Seated At The Table With the Broken

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Honoring The Calling; Escaping The Abyss

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Raising Ozark Book (199 Pages)

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   Retired County Sheriff, Richard Stephens has spent a lifetime serving the people of the communities he lives and works within. Not known for shying away from challenges, Richard has filled numerous roles throughout his thirty-year career in Law Enforcement including Detentions Officer, Shift Supervisor, Patrol, Investigations, Swat commander, Training. Mayor, Program Director, County Sheriff, Consultant, Academy Instructor, and Liaison.

     Richard obtained his master’s degree in management and leadership in 2012 from Liberty University out of Lynchburg Virginia and has lead teams of men and woman through a wide variety of incidents including: The Columbine High School Shooting aftermath, Multiple natural disasters including floods, Ice storms, and tornados.  Additionally, Richard has led multiple major search efforts and managed major crime scenes, Officer involved shooting scenes, critical incident management scenes as well as event and special celebrity event management.

     Feeling a deep desire to ensure our men and women wearing the badge receive not only the tools required for carrying out their job effectively but the resources to do so    Richard has spent over twenty-five years instructing groups both large and small. Upon retiring from active enforcement, he has taken on the role of Criminal Justice Liaison within the behavioral health industry. This role has allowed him to introduce the behavioral health industry to the mind of the Law Enforcement Officer and how we work, feel, and derive motivation. While simultaneously ensuring that the resources necessary for ensuring Officer wellness and resiliency are afforded to every officer and first responder.

     Discovering a love for writing, Richard has not only found purpose in sharing his story as a public servant with others struggling through the battles, they so often face he has also found solace in the process. Authoring multiple books, this vivid storyteller strives to take his readers on a journey of discovery through the pages of his offerings.