Derek began his career as an Electro-Mechanical Technician working on Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) while serving in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement, where he held a wide range of positions including Detentions Deputy, Court Security Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Undercover Narcotics Detective, Patrol Officer, Street Crimes Detective, Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator, K-9 Handler, Detective, and served as a sworn Special Deputy U.S. Marshal with an FBI-led joint task force focused on organized crime and human trafficking.

After over 22 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Derek retired in 2019 as a Master Police Officer due to medical reasons. His career was marked by extensive experience in both street-level policing and tactical operations. Since retirement, Derek has shifted his focus to enhancing officer safety and mental health, drawing on his own experiences with frontline trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). He now dedicates his time to training and equipping law enforcement officers across the nation.

Since 2012, Derek has been delivering his highly regarded O.O.D.A. Loop-based Officer Survival seminars. In 2022, he began offering Rising Above Frontline Trauma, a program addressing the mental health challenges faced by First Responders across the country.

A published author, Derek has contributed articles on officer survival and training to respected publications such as Police Magazine and Tactical Solutions Magazine.