About the instructor

Nathan Dera is a seasoned law enforcement professional and tactical instructor with more than twenty years of operational experience across patrol, SWAT, motors, and specialized response teams. His career began with the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety in 2001, where he completed Field Training Officer certification, the DFW Fire Academy, and Basic Aircraft Rescue before being selected for the Motors/SWAT Division in 2003.

During nearly a decade on the SWAT Team, Nathan competed in TTPOA precision skills competitions, earning placements while building deep expertise in tactical operations, high‑risk response, and advanced weapons handling. His time on the team included extensive certification work and hands‑on involvement in complex, high‑stakes missions.

In 2013, Nathan joined the Bryan Police Department, serving on the Special Response Team’s perimeter element and instructing Vehicle Close Quarters Battle. He also operated as an IPMBA‑Certified Patrol Officer, blending tactical mobility with practical street‑level instruction.

Nathan later advanced to Sergeant with the Westworth Village Police Department, where he served as Training Coordinator. In this role, he developed and delivered training programs for new officers and instructed at the National Academy for Professional Driving through the North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Police Academy.

After retiring from the City of Venus with two decades of service, Nathan now leverages his operational background to provide consulting, firearms instruction, and training program development. His expertise spans tactical readiness, officer safety, scenario‑based training, and curriculum design for agencies seeking to elevate their operational capability and instructor‑level proficiency.