Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers. Today, we have the honor of featuring Luis Rivera, a retired NYPD officer whose real-life experiences in one of New York’s toughest boroughs have become the foundation of his storytelling. Rivera’s books capture the courage, danger, and humanity that define life on the streets of the Bronx.
About Luis Rivera
After twenty years of service with the New York Police Department, Luis Rivera transitioned from enforcing the law to chronicling the reality behind it. His passion for storytelling was born from the countless experiences and encounters that shaped his two decades in uniform.
His first book reflects on the daily challenges and moral conflicts officers face while serving their community. His second work takes readers further back, exploring his youth and the journey that led him to the NYPD. Rivera’s stories are raw, authentic, and rooted in lived experience, offering readers a genuine glimpse into the life of a New York cop.
The Latest Book: 46-Rescue to Central
Luis Rivera’s latest book, 46-Rescue to Central, draws directly from his early years as a volunteer in a rescue unit in the Bronx during the 1980s. It was a time when emergency medical services were not yet part of the FDNY, and overwhelmed 911 systems often left victims waiting.
The volunteer team known as 46-Rescue stepped up to fill that gap. They responded to calls for help, treated gunshot and stabbing victims, and pulled people from car wrecks when seconds could mean the difference between life and death.
Rivera captures those moments of chaos and compassion with gripping realism, painting a vivid portrait of a community in crisis and the everyday heroes who refused to look away. The book is as much about courage as it is about resilience and brotherhood.
Writing Habits and Creative Process
Rivera’s writing process is guided by visualization. “I try to see every chapter like a movie in my mind,” he says. This cinematic approach allows him to recreate scenes with detail and emotion, immersing readers in the fast-paced and unpredictable world of New York City emergencies.
Literary Influences
Luis credits Tom Walker, author of Fort Apache, The Bronx and Death of a Bronx Cop, as one of his major inspirations. Like Walker, Rivera seeks to portray law enforcement in a human and realistic way, acknowledging both its heroism and its struggles.
What’s Next for Luis Rivera
Rivera is currently working on a spiritual novel exploring the battle between good and evil, a story that will blend his life experience with deeper moral and philosophical questions. Though different from his earlier works, this upcoming project continues his fascination with the forces that shape human decisions.
Promoting His Books
For now, Luis uses Facebook and other accessible online platforms to share his work and connect with readers. He believes in authenticity over marketing gimmicks and values honest conversations about his books more than flashy promotions.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
When asked what advice he would give to new writers, Luis keeps it simple and practical: “Whatever ideas you have, write them down as notes and slowly piece them together.” He believes every story begins with a single thought, and discipline is what turns those thoughts into finished pages.
The Best Advice He Ever Heard
“Be careful what you do today, so you won’t regret it tomorrow.” Rivera says this lesson applies not only to life in law enforcement but also to the way one writes, acts, and lives each day with purpose and integrity.
Current Reads
At the moment, Luis isn’t reading anything new, but he’s drawn to realistic fiction that explores human nature and the choices people make under pressure. “I’ve always enjoyed stories that make me think about how situations unfold,” he shares.
Final Thoughts
While Luis Rivera doesn’t plan too far ahead as a writer, his body of work already stands as a tribute to courage, community, and the spirit of service. Through his books, readers experience the pulse of the Bronx, the tension of the streets, and the quiet strength of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
