It’s a miracle that Jamie Rooney turned into such an amazing adult. Her childhood was a nightmare of neglect, physical abuse, and severe poverty. She was surrounded by abusers of alcohol and drugs.
Jamie’s book, Black To Blue, published by North Country Press, is sobering and very troubling, especially for a guy like me who had wonderful parents. But I must thank her for sharing her story, which had to be difficult.
Because the police came to her rescue more than once, Jamie decided at an early age that she wanted to be a police officer. But I consider it a miracle that she was able to put all that horrible abuse behind her to become a police officer. And not just any officer.
She has dedicated her career to working with kids, some of whom are also abused and living in difficult situations. In her own words: “I am Resource and Drug Abuse Resistance (DARE) Officer for the beautiful community in York, Maine.”
“This book is my opportunity to show those who are struggling with difficult times that they do not have to be a victim no matter how terrible the circumstances are,” writes Jamie. “My students at the York Middle School tell me that I am ‘the coolest cop ever.’ Now that makes it all worth it.”
Jamie is also a terrific Mom, and dedicated the book “to my beautiful children who remind me every day just how precious life is.”
Jamie Rooney, my friends, is an inspiring woman. I assure you that her story is one you will never forget.