Beach Nights and Blue Lights

David Bratton, the author of Beach Nights and Blue Lights, lives in the small community of Newport, just a few miles from the scenic coast of Carteret County, North Carolina. His law enforcement career began in 1975 at the Atlantic Beach Police Department, where one summer of policing was said to be the equivalent of two years at other departments. The vibrant and chaotic Atlantic Beach Circle, with its dance clubs and bars, became the backdrop for some of David’s most memorable experiences—a place that has since disappeared, replaced by condos and homes, but lives on in his stories.

After years of honing his skills in Atlantic Beach, David retired in 2018 as a captain and second-in-command at the Havelock Police Department, next to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Craven County. His career spanned over four decades, offering him unique insight into the complexities of human nature, witnessing both the best and worst in people.

David lives with his wife of 48 years, Becky, with whom he shares a rich family life. Together, they have two children, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a special non-biological granddaughter. Through Beach Nights and Blue Lights, David invites readers to join him on a journey through a world that no longer exists—one filled with memories of youthful summers, late-night patrols, and unforgettable encounters along North Carolina’s coast.