NPA Report with Guest, Dustin Reichert, Retired Deputy, Purple Heart recipient, author and speaker
In this powerful follow-up episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith reconnects with Deputy Sheriff Dustin Reichert, whose 2021 interview about surviving an officer-involved shooting deeply impacted listeners.
But as Dustin explains, that shooting was neither the beginning nor the end of his story.
It was part of something much bigger.
Topics:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A powerful therapy that helps the brain reprocess unprocessed trauma — “defragging the hard drive,” as he puts it.
Brainspotting
A trauma-processing modality that accesses the “deep brain” where trauma is stored when officers don’t have time to process between calls.
Building the Right Support Team
Not all therapists understand first responder trauma. Dustin emphasizes:
It’s okay to “shop around” for the right therapist.
You should feel trust and connection.
Agencies with embedded therapists are improving — but independent relationships are critical.
From Survivor to Speaker
Today, Dustin:
Speaks to law enforcement and civilian audiences
Educates on trauma processing and resilience
Advocates for better administrative buy-in
Performs professional hypnosis shows (yes — even for sheriffs!)
He also shares a powerful message with civilians:
“Your biggest trauma is your biggest trauma. It’s not smaller just because someone else’s looks bigger.”
https://dustinreichert.com
https://10-88officerdown.com
https://www.facebook.com/dustin.reichert
But as Dustin explains, that shooting was neither the beginning nor the end of his story.
It was part of something much bigger.
Topics:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A powerful therapy that helps the brain reprocess unprocessed trauma — “defragging the hard drive,” as he puts it.
Brainspotting
A trauma-processing modality that accesses the “deep brain” where trauma is stored when officers don’t have time to process between calls.
Building the Right Support Team
Not all therapists understand first responder trauma. Dustin emphasizes:
It’s okay to “shop around” for the right therapist.
You should feel trust and connection.
Agencies with embedded therapists are improving — but independent relationships are critical.
From Survivor to Speaker
Today, Dustin:
Speaks to law enforcement and civilian audiences
Educates on trauma processing and resilience
Advocates for better administrative buy-in
Performs professional hypnosis shows (yes — even for sheriffs!)
He also shares a powerful message with civilians:
“Your biggest trauma is your biggest trauma. It’s not smaller just because someone else’s looks bigger.”
https://dustinreichert.com
https://10-88officerdown.com
https://www.facebook.com/dustin.reichert
