James H. Lilley Author of the Year Recognition

James H. Lilley, a retired Sergeant of the Howard County Police Department and a County resident was selected as the 2008 Author of the Year by Police-Writers.com. The author of the year selection is based on an independent judging of published writing, a distinguished career in law enforcement, and service to the community.

Jim Lilley's novels reflect the various roles he played as a police officer and supervisor and his renowned success in the martial arts. He joined the Police Department in 1967 following service in the United States Marine Corps.

During his career in the HCPD, he received numerous awards and honors including the Medal of Valor, four Bronze Stars, four Unit Citations and the Maryland Governor's Citation. He retired as a Sergeant in 1992. His success in publishing includes six novels, articles in Police Chief Magazine, and a Training Key for the International Association of Chief's of Police.

As a young Marine, Jim began studying martial arts in Okinawa. He received national and worldwide recognition as the first American to achieve the 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, receiving the honor from the honored Sensei Takeshi Miyagi.

Jim's novel The Eyes of the Hunter (Publish America, 2006) was one of the works considered during the intense competition for author of the year. One of the Police-Writers.com judges said of Jim's writing, "He is a mature writer with strong plot, character and story development." Another judge said, "...easy to read, and it was very good escapism. The writer has some absolutely beautiful passages in which he describes a sound or a vista."

Police-Writers.com is an organization of 839 police writers, representing 382 state and local police departments. Collectively, they have published 1772 books in 32 categories. The organization also consists of federal and international law enforcement officials who have authored books.

During his 25-year career in the Police Department, Jim worked in Uniformed Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Services, the Police Academy, and Drug Enforcement.

The Street Drug Unit he established and supervised was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt, published by Simon and Schuster. In addition to his career and writing, he provides community programs and seminars for women and children in self-protection.

Jim Lilley's six novels include: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; and, Death Knocks Twice.

For additional information, contact Police-Writes.com or James H. Lilley, by e-mailing jlilleyz@aol.com February 21, 2008