Title: Your Attention Please: Announcer Cop

Author: Dennis R. Packer

Genre: Biography / Memoir

 

Dennis Packer had always possessed a distinctive voice. In his youth, he utilized his gift as a High School DJ and then later became an announcer for various sporting events. Packer would soon meet legendary announcer John Ramsey and Packer’s dulcet tones would begin to be heard over a variety of address systems at various Los Angeles sporting team venues. After performing a good Samaritan deed that helped save a life, Packer decided to become a Police Officer in 1973. Packer’s renown as an announcer impressed his LAPD superiors enough to let him keep his second job. Both jobs would involve stressful moments that would require Packer to keep his composure and maintain professionalism. The longevity of his dual careers is a testament to both his talent and expertise.

Dennis Packer’s life story redefines colorful as he relates various events which occurred during his four plus decades both in the booth and out walking the beat. Packer relates his highlights and occasional lowlights in a deadpan manner allowing for the reader to reflect on the often-chaotic nature of police work, as well as broadcasting. The love of both jobs shines through in his reflections, even when dealing with the danger of police work or the hectic pace of announcing.

Dennis Packer’s lastingness in his professions and his devotion to both prove the quote “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” While wanting to be a police officer, Packer tells how aspects of the police academy tested his will. Instead of washing out, he looked inward and stayed with it. His perseverance is highlighted as he possesses an uncanny ability to bounce back from any setback in either job. In this way, Packer’s memoir serves as inspiration for people seeking a career in law enforcement and/or announcing.

One of the key attributes of the memoir is Packer’s humility. Every day, he went and performed his duties, even under less-than-optimal conditions. He dealt with graveyard shifts, doubleheaders, angry citizens and egocentric athletes. He received accolades for both jobs, but wasn’t inclined to rest on his laurels in any fashion. He got to meet some larger-than-life personalities in both professions and his awed reaction when seeing a star athlete, celebrity, or top cop is palpable and genuine.

The book is highly entertaining and engaging, but would benefit from a more linear narrative. The chapters go from broadcasting to law enforcement and back again, often in different time periods. The book would resonate more if the law enforcement period and the broadcasting period were more divided.

Your Attention Please: Announcer Cop is a pleasing memoir that complements the often-unforgiving world of law enforcement with the fun environment of sports entertainment. As the author relays the fascinating days and nights of his busy world, the reader will be transfixed with Packer’s exploits. This is a book about a truly talented individual who has enjoyed two careers but lived nearly as many lives.

 

 

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