An Inspirational, Award Winning Memoir
by JONATHAN HICKORY
An Inspirational,
Award Winning Memoir
by
JONATHAN E. HICKORY
Gold Medalist
Christian Living
Enduring Light Medalist
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military members all see the innermost of our dark and fallen world. Jonathan Hickory gives us a veteran police officer’s intimate perspective into the struggle that many of our heroes battle in their hearts.
Drowning in the depths of depression and sadness, burning with anger, and chained down by alcoholism, Jonathan couldn’t do anymore. After the loss of his father as a young boy, facing countless horrific death scenes in the line of duty, and the death of his son, Jonathan turned to the world for answers—finding only darkness. Facing the threat of losing his job as a police officer, the loss of his wife and daughter, and contemplating suicide, Jonathan turns to the only One who can truly save.
Read the powerful true story of how a step into faith saved Jonathan from the clutches of sin and addiction, changing his life forever. This amazing story of grace and the life changing power of Jesus Christ is guaranteed to encourage everyone who reads it. This book is an incredible suicide prevention resource for police, fire, and military.
THE BOOK
The True Story That Inspired The Major Motion Picture
THE TRUE STORY
Jonathan Hickory is a Master Police Officer in Charlottesville, Virginia. In his 19 plus years of police experience, Jonathan has mentored and instructed other officers in police driving methods and as a Field Training Officer. Jonathan spent seven years investigating the reconstruction of fatal vehicle crash sites and three years as a motorcycle officer. Jonathan proudly serves as a member of the Police Department's Peer Support Team providing Critical Incident Stress Management support to fellow officers. Jonathan has been married to his wife Stacy for over 18 years and has three beloved children.
As a veteran officer, Jonathan has worked the streets, facing the darkest moments of humanity. After battling alcoholism and PTSD related depression for years, he found himself in the middle of the ultimate battle of good versus evil; the battle for his soul, considering suicide. After allowing the enemy to destroy his life and his family for so long, Jonathan cried out for the help from the only One who could save him.
Turning to God has given Jonathan a new light in the perpetual darkness. As an author and speaker, Jonathan now helps others who are struggling with the difficulty of surviving this fallen world. Jonathan continues to speak life into others as he shares the power of what God can do.
PRAISE FOR
BREAK EVERY CHAIN
"A gripping, real story that will give us all the encouragement we need to face whatever might lie ahead in our journey, and to do so with hope."
JONATHAN FALWELL,
Campus Pastor at Liberty University
"Jonathan Hickory takes the reader down a dark, twisted, and at times, death defying journey which miraculously leads to redemption. Break Every Chain epitomizes the personal struggles of many law enforcement officers, the real battle between good and evil, and how the power of God can set the captives free. A MUST READ!"
REV. MARCOS A. MIRANDA, DMin., BCC
President, New York State Chaplain Task Force
Chaplain, New York State Fraternal Order of Police
"Jonathan has written about his journey and how God led him from defeat to victory through the power of the Gospel. This is a gripping real-life story that will give us all the encouragement we need to face whatever might lie ahead in our journey, and to do so with hope.”
JONATHAN FALWELL, Senior Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia
Author of One Great Truth: Finding Your Answers to Life
“A riveting account of pain and redemption. A painful and empowering narrative of a hero’s journey into darkness, and the power of God to lead him home. Telling us again, in a modern context, that critical, life-affirming lesson: 'It is no secret, what God can do. What He’s done for others, He can do for you.'"
LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN
Author of On Combat, On Killing,
Bulletproof Marriage and Assassination Generation
“Uplifting! Jonathan’s story is gut wrenching and triumphant at the same time. He lays his soul bare and leaves you with immense gratitude for the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers and their loved ones make.”
ERIK SABISTON
Author of Dustoff 7-3,
Saving Lives Under Fire in Afghanistan
"Jonathan Hickory provides a transparent account of his life, from pain to purpose, a public servant who bares his very soul. But the story doesn't end with pain, it is also a story of triumph and victory. Every law enforcement officer, every other first responder, every American should read this, absorb the content, and experience the hope that changed Jonathan's life!"
ADAM DAVIS
Author of Behind the Badge: 365 Daily Devotions for Law Enforcement,
Spirit & Truth: 52 Devotions for Law Enforcement,
and Bulletproof Marriage: a 90-Day Devotional
"I could not put this down! The compelling testimony of this decorated cop’s cop will break your hard heart—as most of us cops will see ourselves—but will leave you with the path to heal your broken heart. Jonathan's transparency gives hope to the hopeless and a message of salvation to those who are lost. This is a must read."
PAUL LEE, (Ret Capt. Chattanooga PD)
Executive Director, Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA
“Society as a whole has overlooked and underappreciated the brave men and women who patrol our streets. In Jonathan’s book, Break Every Chain, we get a glimpse into the all-too-familiar struggles brewing within one of these brave warriors. Thankfully, he found the secret to breaking through the darkness. It is my prayer that you, too, will come to the realization that there is a way out and this vicious cycle can be changed, and your life can be healed from the inside out. He's just waiting for you to call on Him. His name is Jesus!”
KRISTI NEACE
Founder, Badge of Hope Ministries, Police wife/mom, Speaker,
Author of numerous books including
Under Fire: Marriage Through the Eyes of a Cop's Wife
“Jonathan’s story will give courage to anyone who fears that their past defines them forever. And for all the heartbroken people who love those wandering souls, it will bring hope that no one is too far gone – not when our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, is out to find His lost sheep. Break Every Chain was a pleasure to read!”
JANICE CAPPUCCI
Author of Storm Clouds of Blessings:
True Stories of Ordinary People FindingHope and Strength in Times of Trouble
"In Break Every Chain, Officer Jonathan Hickory paints a vivid picture of the unique issues we who serve in our God-ordained (Romans 13:1-4) profession of law enforcement face both personally and professionally. More importantly, Jonathan points us both to what ails us in our calling and to “the Cure” – a genuine, life-saving/life-changing personal relationship with the greatest “cop” in history – Jesus Christ. Jonathan’s book is both a warning and – praise God – a testimony of hope that should be “must reading” for every officer, police spouse and, frankly, every man. Highly recommended!"
MICHAEL “MC” WILLIAMS
Police Officer and Chaplain, Founder and Director,
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
"A real life story that inspires, encourages, and gives hope—a hope that forgiveness and restoration are possible, even in the darkest of situations.”
VERNON BREWER
World Help, Founder/CEO
Author of Defining Moments and WHY?
Answers to Weather the Storms of Life
“I have always told people being a cop is the hardest job they’ll never understand. You have to put your personal feelings in a bottle before your shift and hope that bottle doesn’t break open while you’re working. I was motivated and captivated by what I was reading…Jonathan’s trials and tribulations make for a compelling and powerful story!"
CHRIS BARCOMB
Retired Police Officer
Author of The Amazing Adventure of Superior Sam
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