The Face of Fear: A Powers and Johnson Novel (55 page)

My respect for the Suffolk County Police Department in Long Island is evident in this story. While it is a fictional story, I have had the pleasure and honor of being good friends with many of them over the years.

There is always a chance when they leave their homes in the morning that they will not return to their families. Many of us, including myself, could not handle the stress of uncertainty such as this.

Police officers all over the country have lost their lives and continue to lose their lives in the line of duty, leaving their families behind. During the writing of this book, Long Island resident and NYPD officer Peter Figoski lost his life, leaving behind four daughters.

Below are the names of Suffolk County police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In honor of them, 5 percent of the author’s profits from this book will be donated to the SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE MEMORIAL FUND. If you have enjoyed this book and/or you could never imagine leaving your family to continue their lives without you, I encourage you to make a donation to your local police department’s memorial fund to help their families and children for the remainder of their lives for the sacrifices of their mother or father in uniform. Thank you.

Suffolk County, Long Island, NY, police officers who have died in the line of duty:

Police Officer Jack C. Burkhardt

Police Officer Carmelo A. Cattano

Police Officer William V. DeRosa

Police Officer Vincent J. DeVivo

Detective Lieutenant Joseph H. Hawkins

Police Officer Edwin Hernandez

Police Officer John Jantzen

Detective Carmine M. Macchia

Deputy Inspector George A. McMullen

Police Officer John J. Nolan

Police Officer Henry J. Stewart

Police Officer Albert A. Willetts

Police Officer Frank D. Cataldo

Police Officer Glen Ciano

Sergeant Lawrence J. Devine

Police Officer George A. Frees

Sergeant Timothy J. Henck

Sergeant James Hutchens

Deputy Chief Alfred C. Kohler

Police Officer Ralph Sorli

Police Officer John J. Venus

Detective Dennis J. Wustenhoff

R.J. Torbert has been a key figure of all things Ghost Face behind the scenes since 1996. He is responsible for the legal baptism of the name “Ghost Face,” amending the original copyrights that officially linked the image and name together forever, as well as having the Icon of Halloween trademarked. R.J. lives with his family not far from the village where this story is based. He continues his responsibilities as director of licensing for properties such as Ghost Face as well as product development, which has resulted in creating hundreds of toys seen in stores worldwide for Easter, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.

R.J. is also co-creator of the limited-edition 24 karat gold records of Elvis Presley sold at Graceland and catalogs worldwide. He loves to travel with his family when not traveling for work. He is proud to say he is a veteran of our armed forces.

Powers and Johnson will return