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

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hatcher, Director of Technology Operations at Herring Technology, to break down the modern landscape of security systems. From AI-powered cameras and facial recognition to the often-overlooked power of a strong network, Aaron shares how his team tests, deploys, and supports cutting-edge tech for real-world protection. We also dive into key takeaways from ISC West (the security industry’s largest international tradeshow) and why human training still matters, even with the best tools.

Learn More about Herring Technology: https://herringtechnology.com/

Notes:

7:22 – Why all modern security, from cameras to gun detection, is network-based

8:10 – Herring’s secret weapon: real-world IT lab testing, not brand loyalty

9:55 – Why the network is the single most important part of any security system

14:21 – How small upgrades can cause big issues

17:00 – The best tools still need trained people behind them

21:00 – 24/7 support: how Herring prioritizes responsiveness

25:00 – Demystifying AI to match the right tools

28:30 – Recap of ISC West: What’s big in security tech right now

33:45 – “Compliant” vs. truly integrated technologies

36:00 – Tech that holds people accountable, not replaces them

37:45 – Most exciting AI: reducing human error with smart automation

42:00 – The art and science of camera placement

In this episode, we dive into the risks of oversharing on social media while traveling and how it can make you a target for burglars. From real stories about alarm calls and serial burglars to why most break-ins happen during the day, Brink and Tom share practical safety tips to protect your home and yourself. Learn what to pack for safer vacations, how to check crime maps before you go, and why reviewing crime data beats relying on online reviews. They also cover essentials like firearms and permits, using pepper spray correctly, and simple hotel security hacks.

Notes:

1:05 — Risks of posting on social media while you’re away

4:00 — Why most burglaries happen during the day

5:00 — How GPS data in photos can expose you

6:23 — What to pack for a safer vacation

7:00 — Using crime maps to assess safety

7:27 — Why you should call the local narcotics department before moving

8:05 — Why people check reviews but overlook crime data

8:45 — Importance of studying a map of the area before traveling

16:55 — The dangers of being glued to your phone

22:45 — Firearms and permit considerations while traveling

23:25 — Practicing safety correctly (don’t be like bad drivers)

24:30 — Using chemical spray

30:55 — Uber safety

34:10 — Benefits of secondary locking devices

35:00 — Why you should consider not letting hotel staff into your room

Follow Brink:

www.defendsystems.com

Follow Tom:

www.herringtechnology.com

Tips, Tactics and Tools is Produced and Edited by www.itsyourshow.co