Jim Cirillo's Tales Of The Stakeout Squad
Author Paul Kirchner was working with Cirillo on this biography at the time of Jim's untimely death in 2007. Kirchner draws on his extensive interviews with Cirillo, his family, friends, ex-partner Bill Allard and other SOU officers to create a vivid portrait of an affable and gregarious man who nonetheless was "the last man many armed robbers saw on this earth."
In previously unpublished accounts, Cirillo describes in detail numerous stakeouts and sets the record straight about what he and the other SOU members actually accomplished on the streets of New York. Cirillo also talks about his early years as a street cop and his service with the NYPD Emergency Service Unit; his successes as a lifelong competitive shooter; his distinguished career as a firearms trainer; his unique relationship with Jeff Cooper; his carry guns and the guns of the SOU; and much more. Cirillo's unique voice and humor enliven every page, resulting in a fitting, lasting tribute to a legendary police officer, shooting instructor, gunfighter and raconteur.
Reviews (97)
One of the best books on armed combat that I have ever read. Staunch stuff.
Strong stuff. If you can handle it, Mr Cirillo tells his side of his time on the New York City Stakeout Squad. This unit was tasked with catching robbers in the act, hopefully to arrest them and put them through the full process of the law. Frequently this didn't happen. As Cirillo says, " I didn't hear them surrender in all the gunfire". This is a tale of a man more suited to the open plains of the Wild West, which naturally put him in conflict with the emerging forces of the liberal pantywaist left. Clint Eastwood portrayed Dirty Harry - this man lived it. He did the dirty work, but did not receive the praise or recompense for being a soldier in the war on crime. He is not a trained writer, but has a storyteller's natural gift for allowing glimpses into his incredible life and deeds. He is one of the last true gunfighters. We may just need his kind in times to come - this book shows what it takes to put yourself in harm's way in defense of the public good. A hero? You decide.
A must read if you want to understand the difference between target shooting and survival on the streets.
This isn't poetry, but in terms of real world accounts of dynamic split second events this deserves 5 stars. The story was well worth the effort to capture. The man was a special type of human, a sheepdog in a world of wolves and sheep. It is evident he cared deeply for the victims and protecting the public. He understood very well how the Zen of subconscious shooting can take over in split second events. Nothing he writes here is going to turn you into a gunfighter, but it does tell you the basics for things for the recipe that tend to make you a survivor (no guarantee you will be so lucky). The hard training and practice work he put in is mentioned but don't underestimate those accomplishments. With those under his belt, he was able to survive when combined with that special something that only some folks have in their blood. Some forms of competition and hunting are good and others are better at this sort of need. The book is a must read in many ways.
I'm glad he did
A guy I know suggested this book. I'm glad he did. You will meet a humble man that did some extraordinary things, and yet it was all to be a better police officer. Politics rears it's ugly head and life goes on. It does not diminish his contributions. As it tuns out, Jim's digs in 'upstate New York' weren't that far away... I wish I'd known this while I was there and he was still alive - it would been cool to meet him and pick his brain. Jim should be better known for his contributions, but since he likely won't be except in specific circles, read it here for yourself. Thank you Jim for your service.
A very entertaining and informative book.
This book, written posthumously by an associate of Cirillo's; is a collection of stories as told by his closest colleagues and friends. It has lots of photos and takes you from his childhood right up to his unfortunate demise. There is plenty of humor and irony, all told with what would be a 'New Yawk' accent if it were an audiobook. You will almost feel as though you knew him yourself. I found this book both entertaining and informative. I could not put it down. Highly recommended.
Fantastic Insight and a Great Read!
This book was begun by the author along with Cirillo before he died. It is an excellent account of Cirillo's life and a fast and easy read. I wish it was longer. I could have read another 300+ pages if it was all like what Kirchner put together. The insight into Cirillo's mindset still applies today even if his weapons and tactics have become politically incorrect. It the politics ever turn to a more realistic approach to law enforcement, the NYCPD's Stakeout Unit would most certainly work again. One can only wonder what would have happened to NY's robbery rate if Cirillo and his fellow SOU members had continued for another five years. Kirchner really gave me a quality insight into Cirillo that not many authors could probably have provided. Kirchner's respect for the man comes through in his writing. I highly recommend this book to any law enforcement officer with an interest in such things. It's also a great companion to Cirillo's own book.
Jim Cirillo A very interesting New York City Police Officer.
I was a police officer and firearms training officer in the 1980s and one high light of Police Firearms training was what we were hearing about the New York City Police Department and their Stake Out Squads and the experiences of officers like Jim Cirillo. It seemed to me that we needed to learn to shoot from cover, shoot fast and accurate, reload fast, consider all aspects of the dangers of being a police officer. Standing out in the open while someone was trying to take your life was not going to cut it. This book was written long after Jim Cirillo was retired but there is very important information on its pages.
Only wish the book could have been longer.
After reading "Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights: Lessons and Tales from a Modern-Day Gunfighter," I wanted to read more about Jim Cirillo and the NY Stakeout Squad. This book definitely gave me more. The author provides more details by including interviews with partners and witnesses. Only wish the book could have been longer.
Great read!
This a great read, and there is more here than just gun fights. Jim Cirillo was a Hell of a man, and I wish I could have met him. This book relates a very interesting period in the NYPD, and gives a little insight into the mind and personality of a real modern day gunfighter. A real addition to the library of any person interested in personal defense or deadly encounters.
A good, interesting read
A great story about a former law enforcement officer that was part of an infamous squad in NYC that effectively slowed a huge number of alarmed robberies that were occurring. A true " back in the day" story of policing. An easy read. If you don't understand what things were like 50 years ago, you'll probably be offended.
Jim Cirillo is great!
The late Jim Cirillo was a hero in his own right, and added wonderful author to it!
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