Bitter or Better: Doing More with Less

RaShad Bristo is a native and resident of Mansfield, LA. RaShad's childhood dream was to become a police officer. He decided to pursue that dream after graduating from Grambling State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Hired and deputized by DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, RaShad was sent to the police academy. After going through weeks of vigorous training, he was denied certification to become a Peace Officer just days before graduation. Opposition and discrimination met RaShad head on. Having one arm had all of a sudden become a crime in itself. Emotionally wounded and with a dream almost shattered, RaShad recalled the words that his grandfather told him as a boy, "Son, your disability does not define you, your determination does." God moved and blessed RaShad to become a certified Peace Officer. To this day, RaShad is the only person in the State of Louisiana and the first person in the country with one arm to successfully graduate from a police academy and work in law-enforcement in the capacities of deputy sheriff, D.A.R.E. officer, juvenile probation officer and correctional officer. In 2016, he received the Louisiana Governor’s Disability Achievement Award.The Author of "BITTER or BETTER: Doing More With Less” is RaShad's personal story of excelling beyond the bitterness and frustration of his physical disability to pursue his dreams and live a fulfilling life. The community program is Thursday December 7, 2023 at 11 am at Carver-McDonald Branch Library 2941 Renwick St. Monroe LA. More info 318.327.1477.