From saving lives to taking lives and all things in between, Paths Crossed: Villains - Victims - Victors is true dramatic narrative. It reveals a Michigan State Police trooper's evolution from rookie to veteran and the journey's impact, both professional and personal. Intriguing, sometimes shocking, and always inspiring, it is a compelling read for all served by law enforcement. Its insight into a police career makes it recommended reading for all interested in that calling. The first of the Paths Crossed series, it is crafted in 76 chapters appearing in chronological order. Every chapter stands alone as a short story, although many are enriched by prior episodes, and within each are embedded lessons learned. Chapters are accented with pictures and quotes and validated with articles and documents. From blunders to brilliance, these accounts let the reader witness dedication, perseverance, and even sacrifice. Foremost, the stark yet precious reality of law enforcement is made real.
Clif Edwards' professional life has been in law enforcement. He was recruited into the Michigan State Police (MSP) at the age of eighteen. During his nearly twenty-seven year career, he thrived on the training and experiences provided by this department, while striving to make his mark. The first half of Clif's career was served in the Uniform Services Division. Serving between six posts, he was a field training officer for five rookies, assigned to an undercover team, and served as an advanced accident investigator, a dog handler, and a shift supervisor. He earned four Professional Excellence Awards and two Letters of Commendations for investigations he conducted. The second half of Clif's career was served in the Investigative Services Division as a detective. He assisted police departments across a nine county area, managed major crime task forces, conducted both sensitive & cold-case investigations, was a street supervisor/operative for an undercover drug enforcement team, and served as a post detective. As a Detective Sergeant, Clif earned three Meritorious Awards: one for solving a serial kidnapper/rapist case, one for solving an organized crime case, and the last for solving a fifteen-year old murder case. He was twice nominated trooper of the year. Clif was then promoted to Detective Lieutenant to command a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement team. This position is the highest rank in the MSP hierarchy where enforcement duties are part of the job description. During this period, Clif taught a variety of investigative classes in the MSP academy. At age forty-five, he retired from the MSP. At age forty-seven, Clif graduated from the National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Ranger Academy, Wildland Fire Fighter Training, and Emergency Medical Technician Training. He now serves proudly as a Protection Ranger for the National Park Service, where the core skills he employs are law enforcement, emergency medical service, wildland firefighting, and search and rescue. He also provides training to his fellow rangers on investigations and officer survival. He has served at Isle Royale National Park, Everglades National Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Clif is a proud father and grandfather.
