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By Kate Yapjoco
May 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – Pulitzer Prize winning author, Tom Hallman Jr. will be discussing his new book, “A Strangers Gift” at Crosspointe Life Church, 8809 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa on May 4 at 7:00 p.m. The book shares Hallman’s journey of faith from indifferent agnostic to growing believer. Hallman interviewed 13 ordinary people from all walks of life about finding purpose in life through faith. The book describes their journeys of faith and how it changed or affected their lives.
La Mesa Police Department’s Captain Dan Willis was one of the 13 people interviewed for the book.
Hallman was looking for a law enforcement perspective and had read an article Willis had written for the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin called “The Practice of Spirituality and Emotional Wellness in Law Enforcement”. He contacted Willis who readily agreed.
In an interview with East County Magazine, when Willis was asked how his faith impacts his day to day work, he replied, “For me, faith has been an integral part of police work. People may not think there is a spirituality to police work--but there absolutely is. There is spirituality in protecting and giving life to others, in sacrifice and service for the good of those who need us, and devoting our life to the well-being of the community.”
He added, “The spirit within each officer is what makes them human and is what inspires and motivates them to risk their own health and safety to protect and serve others. My own personal, private faith has been the single greatest factor in sustaining my spirit and helping me to emotionally survive all of the trauma I have experienced over the years in this job.”
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