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About the Author
He patrolled one of Milwaukee’s busiest districts and was later selected to become a member of the department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit—the full-time special weapons and tactics unit. Another rewarding assignment was with the Robbery Task Force. In 1994, Larry was promoted to the rank of detective, with assignments in the Robbery and Violent Crimes Units. He also served seven years in the Milwaukee PD’s nationally recognized Gang Crimes Unit/Intelligence Division and recently completed 21 years of service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
He retired from the Milwaukee Police Department in 2001 and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife Lynn, having recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Two of their favorite pastimes are to visit the national parks, along with contributing time to children’s and military charities and causes. In an effort to really make a difference in children’s lives, Larry wrote The Island Treasure Hunt - a book about two likeable characters who find themselves faced with an ethical dilemma. The message that comes from reading the book is that good deeds do not go unnoticed, a message today’s youth will hopefully realize.
Dear Larry: Congratulation on the launch of your book, "The Island Treasure Hunt"
"The real review of a children's book comes from the children you are reading it to. I read The Island Treasure Hunt to my 5 grandchildren, ages 5 to 11, and they were mesmerized. They waited silently for each page to turn. Thank you, Larry Powalisz, for writing such a special book with a powerful message." --Patricia
Noel "The Island Treasure Hunt is a story that keeps children listening. The graphic design is outstanding. The book is a great gift for kids 8-12, who enjoy learning about national parks, hidden treasure and Hawaii. The Island Treasure Hunt also provides a good moral for today's early readers." --Colleen
Wallace Retired Milwaukee Detective, Children's Book Author Featured in Bench Press Quarterly MILWAUKEE, WI --- Here's one for the record books: how many authors of contemporary books for children can bench press 420 pounds? My guess is only one: Larry Powalisz. Last November, Mr. Powalisz, a retired Milwaukee Police Department detective, published The Island Treasure Hunt -- a children's book featuring the adventures of the Boyz of Aloha. But when he's not authoring books or serving as a federal agent with the U.S. Coast Guard, the burly Powalisz spends some time in the gym. This week, Larry Powalisz, with his record 420 pound max on the bench press under his belt, was featured on the front page of Bench Press Quarterly (see attachment). "Not bad for an old guy in his 50s," the six foot-two, 260 pound Powalisz chuckled. A former member of the Milwaukee Police Department's Tactical Enforcement Unit, Gang Crimes Unit and Robbery Task Force, Powalisz also goes by the moniker "Big Larry." The gentle giant is known for his generosity. One dollar from each sale of The Island Treasure Hunt is donated to a children's charity, one of which is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. On February 9, Larry will kick off his "Cops Caring for Kids" California book tour at Books, Inc., 1344 Park Street, Alameda, California, (510) 522-2226.
Larry on Police Officer Books website
Author Larry Powalisz on “Morning Blend” A Sneak Peek at “The Island Treasure Hunt”
Author Larry Powalisz mentioned on Badger Blogger
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Larry Powalisz was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was determined to become a Milwaukee police officer and in 1973, became a police aide with the Milwaukee Police Department. Larry was promoted to police officer two years later and graduated from the Milwaukee Police Academy in February 1976. 
Having worked in many of Milwaukee’s crime ridden areas, he observed firsthand how the ravages of crime strained neighborhoods and shattered the hopes, lives and dreams of many people. Larry also witnessed the weakening of the traditional family structure in parts of the community, which put a stranglehold on it by creating even more problems.
