A former officer with the California Highway Patrol has published a book about his experiences during the 1940s in the Mojave Desert — much of it on Route 66 — in a memoir.
L.A. “Buzz” Banks has published “Policing the Mojave Desert,” mining his stories from the time the highway patrol assigned him to Victorville, California, as a traffic-control officer in 1941.
According to a news release Monday from the publisher, Lulu:
Banks joined the CHP at a time when officers were expected to be on their own – resources were limited, technical support was virtually nonexistent, and officers relied on their common sense and their own judgment.
This collection of 30 vignettes recounts memorable, true incidents from Banks’ early experiences as a CHP officer. He honed his writing skills writing accident reports, his diary and published magazine articles. Recognizing the value of his unique experiences, he set out to share them in this unique new book.
Encounters that emerge in “Policing the Old Mojave Desert,” introduce readers to a famous WWII general, an iconic test pilot, a deranged doctor, a bizarre German spy, a sharpshooting sheriff and a kind baker, to name a few.
The book is available as an e-book for Nook e-readers or apps for $2.99. The book also comes in a Kindle version. A paperback version ranges from $10 to $12.
I checked Apple’s iTunes Books, and it was available in an iBook version. I purchased it for $2.99, downloaded it, and have started reading it.
Sorry, the above may be a redundant comment, it was indicated in the original article that it was available in “apps,” which I didn’t immediately realize that it was Apple’s version. Again, I’m sorry.
Buzz was first mentioned in Route 66 circles quite a few years ago (maybe 15?) by Jon Robinson in his book, “Lives on the Road.” I’m glad to see Banks’ book is finally coming to fruition. There were rumors of it happening back when Robinson’s book came out.
Wow…..will have to read this, having grown up east of Amboy and served with the CHP for a bit….after the Air Force. Patrolled out of the Newhall office intending to transfer to Needles but for personal reasons….the “gods” had other plans.
A limited number of books was privately printed almost 20 years ago. Friends and strangers still become enthusiastic when Buzz’s book is mentioned. It’s a pleasure to be able to offer it digitally for a low price so more people, especially law enforcement nationally, can enjoy it. Please continue to support and recommend this unique publication. See http://www.BuzzBanks.com