In this powerful episode, Chief Sean O’Brien of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department shares his remarkable journey through decades in law enforcement, including an account of the July 16, 2015 terrorist attack in Chattanooga. From his first officer-involved shooting in 1994 to leading K9 units, interdiction operations, and active shooter response training, Sean opens up about the moments that tested him most.
He discusses the physical and emotional toll of life-or-death encounters and the conversation around mental health in law enforcement. Sean speaks candidly about the trauma he carried and how EMDR therapy helped him heal. This is a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about the unseen battles that follow critical incidents.
⚠️ Note: This episode contains strong language.
Notes:
5:15 – Sean’s background and start in law enforcement
6:45 – His first officer-involved shooting on the freeway
8:45 – How life-or-death moments change your brain
10:55 – Passion for the K9 unit and bond with the dog
12:14 – Teaching active shooter response and promotion to commander
14:00 – Work in interdiction: stopping traffickers, drugs, and terrorism
21:00 – Beginning work in active shooter response
23:15 – Realistic training scenarios based on real-world incidents
27:45 – The events of July 16, 2015: Terror attack on recruiting offices
30:15 – Shooter opens fire; Sean realizes it’s terrorism
37:00 – High-stress response and breakdown of fine motor skills
50:15 – Sean engages suspect and accepts he may not make it home
56:45 – Suspect is taken down; confirmed no second shooter
59:15 – Honoring the stories of the fallen
1:06:50 – FBI waited 6 months to declare it a terrorist attack
1:09:50 – “We don’t rise to the occasion; we fall to our training”
1:10:30 – Lack of mental health support for law enforcement
1:15:30 – EMDR therapy helped reframe and process the memories
1:17:20 – Importance of both professional help and close friends
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