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Treading Water: Survival and Surviving the Recovery
In his own words, Casey Cheshier shares his story of survival after being thrown overboard, run over by his own boat, critically injured, and left adrift and alone treading water without a life preserver in the Pacific Ocean. Somehow, Casey managed to survive his injuries, but he struggled to heal not only physically but mentally. The healing process forced Casey to face his demons from nearly 25 years in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Special Weapons Team. At the urging of his family and closest friends, Casey turned his personal journal into this book, offering an intimate glimpse into his journey to regain his life and his participation in several significant law enforcement incidents, many of which you will recognize from their national news coverage. He hopes his story will help others going through difficult times, as well as show what the members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department go through daily.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 12, 2025
My question is, when is the movie coming out? The publishers really missed the mark on turning this book down for publication. It just goes to show you how out of touch they are with the general public and what interest them.
It was a great read, and Casey did a great job giving you a front seat during each call-out and rescue operation. There was something in this book for every avid reader, The will to survive, The trials of PTSD, Family bond, Love, Adrenaline Rush of dangerous calls, Friendship, Government bureaucracy and politics.
Estevan Martinez
It was a great read, and Casey did a great job giving you a front seat during each call-out and rescue operation. There was something in this book for every avid reader, The will to survive, The trials of PTSD, Family bond, Love, Adrenaline Rush of dangerous calls, Friendship, Government bureaucracy and politics.
Estevan Martinez
October 10, 2024
A True Hero's story
This incredible true story from the survivor himself. He doesn't mince words and tells his story in his words. You can feel his pain, and suffering but also the love he has for his family, friends and his fellow LEO brothers and sisters. You will laugh and you will cry and you definitely will not stop reading until the very last page.
This incredible true story from the survivor himself. He doesn't mince words and tells his story in his words. You can feel his pain, and suffering but also the love he has for his family, friends and his fellow LEO brothers and sisters. You will laugh and you will cry and you definitely will not stop reading until the very last page.
March 20, 2026
I thought this book was incredibly inspiring, particularly for anyone with severe injuries and/or PTSD. I’m sure it would go a long way toward helping someone faced with those struggles to seek help or look in the mirror. What Casey overcame physically is practically a miracle, but to be able to go back full duty to not just an arduous position, but an ultra physical job really is nothing short of astounding.
I couldn’t agree more about pilot TK, I am very close to his entire family and there is no finer bunch of people.
I disagree with Casey’s push to force therapy on every single member of the unit. Not everyone needs it, and people have to want it. Plenty of people aren’t deeply impacted by aspects of the job that greatly bother others, many others that might be can effectively compartmentalize everything just fine.
Overall, it was a harrowing and terrifying freak accident that he suffered and his description of the road back physically and mentally was truly amazing. I’m so happy for him that he was able to FINALLY finish surgeries and heal completely. I’m also glad his family is doing well and rode out the storm of their lives - good for them! I hope things continue to go great for them and he gets to retire on his own terms at such time he feels ready.
I couldn’t agree more about pilot TK, I am very close to his entire family and there is no finer bunch of people.
I disagree with Casey’s push to force therapy on every single member of the unit. Not everyone needs it, and people have to want it. Plenty of people aren’t deeply impacted by aspects of the job that greatly bother others, many others that might be can effectively compartmentalize everything just fine.
Overall, it was a harrowing and terrifying freak accident that he suffered and his description of the road back physically and mentally was truly amazing. I’m so happy for him that he was able to FINALLY finish surgeries and heal completely. I’m also glad his family is doing well and rode out the storm of their lives - good for them! I hope things continue to go great for them and he gets to retire on his own terms at such time he feels ready.
November 2, 2024
IN ALL THINGS THERE IS A PURPOSE!
Casey’s career has had so many extraordinary episodes of selfless over the top acts of valor. His is the story that exemplifies the true essence of “A Tradition of Service”.
“WORK HARD, TRAIN HARD, PLAY HARD.”
Casey’s career has had so many extraordinary episodes of selfless over the top acts of valor. His is the story that exemplifies the true essence of “A Tradition of Service”.
“WORK HARD, TRAIN HARD, PLAY HARD.”
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May 28, 2025Written by an LAPD SWAT officer, this memoir gives us insight into the incredible amount public safety workers endure so that the rest of us can stay safe. It give me new appreciation for the cost of our safety.
December 28, 2025
I graduated high school with Casey's wife & enjoyed this story of trauma, resilience & recovery after Casey nearly died at sea. I gained a new respect for our emergency responders & the trauma they experience while risking their lives to save strangers. good read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews