AUGUST PALUMBO is a former New Orleans homicide detective and a retired special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He was awarded the NOPD Medal of Merit and received numerous commendations from the United States Treasury Department for intrepid service, as well as the ATF Distinguished Firearms Expert award. His work has been published in literary and commercial magazines. He currently serves as a consultant to the National Association of Federal Agents.