Dave graduated from Andrew High School in 1997.  Dave then went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Lewis University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Governors State University. 

Dave served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1998-2004 where he finished his service at the rank of Sergeant.  Dave began his career in Law Enforcement as a Part-Time Officer with Chicago Ridge in April 2001 until he was hired Full-Time in May 2002.  He then attended the Metro Class of the Chicago Police Academy where he graduated as the Assistant Class Leader.

In November of 2004, Dave became a Certified Juvenile Officer and was assigned to the Investigations Division at the rank of Detective.  Dave served as the Department’s School Liaison Officer/SRO and participated in the Risk Watch Program in conjunction with the Fire Department to educate students on various safety related topics.  Dave would also conduct investigations involving juveniles to include specializing in situations where juveniles were the victims of specialized crime.  Dave’s investigations into these crimes have led to numerous arrests and convictions.  It is through these types of investigations that led Dave to obtain his Master’s Degree in Social Work and ultimately obtain an Illinois State Certification as a Forensic Interviewer.  Dave believes that every child needs a voice when it comes to these specialized crimes and in his off time works as a Forensic Interviewer for a local Child Advocacy Center.

Dave has been assigned to various Multi-Jurisdictional units that include the Southwest Major Case Unit, Southwest Major Crimes Task Force, and has been with the 5th District SWAT Team since 2005 and currently acts as a Team Leader on entry.  Dave holds various State Certified Instructor Certificates and performs his duties as the Department’s Range Master and Lead Rapid Response Trainer.  Dave is a Certified Instructor with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Springfield Illinois.  He is an instructor for mobile training teams throughout Illinois.  Dave’s is considered a Master Patrol Tactical Officer by the Illinois Tactical Officers Association.

Dave has held various other ranks within the Department to include; Patrol Officer (2002-2004), Patrol Corporal (2014-2015) and Detective Sergeant (2015-2022) until being recently promoted to Commander in April 2022.  Dave is a member the Chicago Ridge Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #12, Illinois Tactical Officers Association, and National Tactical Officers Association.