April is National Volunteer month. Author Annette Langer was recently selected by the Pleasanton CA Police Department, profiling her duties as a police volunteer. Langer is the author of 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World: Diary of A Fearless Travel Agent'. Ms. Langer will combine her work as a police volunteer and her writing skills in her forthcoming book about her experiences of the last seven years as a police volunteer.
“I was so honored to be selected as the first of our twenty-five VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) to be spotlighted each month. This new project of recognition will assist newer police officers and those who don’t work closely with us to learn more about us and our varied backgrounds,” Langer says. The notice hangs in a prominent spot on the police bulletin board beginning April, National Volunteer Month.
In May 2005, Annette became a volunteer for the Pleasanton Police Department and currently serves on patrol and in the Investigations Division. She performs administrative duties in the Crime Prevention Unit and assists the Criminal Investigations Unit with the Juvenile Diversion program and with research for complex financial crime cases. She received a Special Recognition award from the Chief of Police in 2006 and was named Police Volunteer of the Year in 2008.
As an author, Langer initially wrote just for herself to create a personal record of all the medical experiences she's had, from brain injury to breast cancer. She thought others might benefit from her positive outlook in order to help overcome their own challenges. As a result, 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' was born. Published in 2005, the book has become an important catalyst in helping others focus on matters other than the physical obstacles they may be facing. Through her lectures at various hospitals, assisted living centers, community venues, and bookstores, she readily demonstrates her philosophy on life: The world is your oyster—go make a pearl. Her personal stories encompass humor and inspire others to create their own life treasures by developing their ability to recognize their own resilience through the power of positive thinking.
If she were to have a second philosophy on life, it would be simply: Life goes on. Langer's positive outlook is grounded once again in her second book, 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World, Diary of a Fearless Travel Agent', published in 2010. Her stories detail many comical, unusual and, at times, sobering situations in which she's found herself during her travels to all seven continents. She balances her tales of adventure with a multitude of funny anecdotes, displaying her characteristic positive outlook when facing challenges.
Her forthcoming book to be released in late 2012 details her activities as a volunteer for her local police department. "Eyes and Ears”—Police Volunteers will recount many of the humorous as well as somber experiences she and her volunteer partners have had over the years while performing their duties. An excerpt titled 'Crime Fighter' can be found in the August 23, 2011, issue of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart'.
Langer is also a frequent contributor to anthologies, online magazines, and blogs. Her most recent offering titled 'A Long and Bumpy Road to Relief' will appear in the May 22, 2012, issue of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain'.
“Being a police volunteer is so rewarding,” says Langer. “I want to share my experiences with people who may be unaware of how far-reaching and gratifying it can be to give back to the community in an unexpected way. Whether working inside the police station or patrolling the city in a police car with a volunteer partner, this experience is both gratifying and exhilarating.”
Annette Langer is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at alanger2@gmail.com. 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World' are available in both print and e-book formats at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and major book retailers. Personally autographed first-edition copies of her books are available through her website.
Profile:
Annette Langer is originally from Chicago and has lived in Pleasanton CA since 1998. She spent a rewarding career in a variety of Federal Government jobs from court reporter to office manager. In May 2005 Annette became a volunteer for the Pleasanton Police Department and currently serves on patrol and in the Investigations Division. She performs administrative duties in the Crime Prevention Unit and assists the Criminal Investigations Unit with the Juvenile Diversion program and with research for complex financial crime cases. She has been a successful published author since 2005.
Contact:
Annette Langer
www.AnnetteLanger.com
alanger2@gmail.com
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