"American Heroes coming Out From Behind The Badge - Stories from police, fire, and EMS Professionals 'Out' on the job."

The stories contained in this book were written by real police officers, firefighters, and EMS Professionals about their own coming out journeys. Each story is unique, but shares the common experience of coming out while working as a public safety professional. These courageous people are truly role models who have demonstrated that you can be "out" on the job and still be successful. All of them are doing their part to combat the unofficial "don't ask, don't tell" policy that exits in many police departments, fire departments, and EMS agencies.

"It's truly an honor to share with the world the stories of some special and amazing police officers, firefighters, and EMS Professionals from around the United States who are currently serving communities just like the one you live in. What makes these dedicated public servants extra special is that they happen to be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender. They also happen to be "out" despite the homophobia that still exists in within all three of these public safety professions," said Miraglia.

In his first book, Mr. Miraglia told his own coming out story after working for three different law enforcement agencies and rising to the rank of deputy chief. In addition to the new stories in this new book, Mr. Miraglia offers more advice based on what he has learned since coming out in 2004.

For Immediate Release

The Out To Protect Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for a $500 scholarship to be awarded in June 2010. Qualified applicants can submit an application online on the Out to Protect website at www.outtoprotect.org. To qualify for one of our scholarships, you must be attending a basic law enforcement academy within the United States and demonstrate being able to meet the following criteria:

• Identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or a straight ally and be "out" to your family, friends, and peers at the academy or law enforcement agency.
• Be a recognized role model by your peers and supervisors.
• Demonstrate use of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as a guide for decision making.
• Demonstrate being able to graduate from your law enforcement training program.
• A basic law enforcement academy includes training programs for local, state, or federal law enforcement provided by a law enforcement agency, college, or university. The deadline to submit an application for this scholarship is midnight on May 31, 2010.

The Out To Protect Scholarship Program was created in March 2009 to create a greater awareness of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender professionals working in law enforcement and to support those pursuing a law enforcement career.This scholarship is being funded entirely by private donations from law enforcement officers and private citizens who believe in supporting the future of law enforcement.

Please forward this information to anyone you know who might be qualified to receive a scholarship. If you are affiliated with a law enforcement agency, please forward this message to your local training academy.