Dave brings over 25 years of law enforcement and campus security experience in Polk County, Florida. He served in a wide range of roles with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, rising from Patrol Deputy to Master Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, with assignments spanning homicide investigations, training, and supervision. Transitioning into higher education, he became Assistant Director of Campus Security at Polk State College and later Director of Safety & Security at Southeastern University (SEU), where he manages sworn deputies, security officers, and contractors across multiple campuses. At SEU, Dave contributes to emergency response, behavioral intervention, and safety committees, while authoring institutional security policies and overseeing event security logistics. He is a certified Part 107 Remote Pilot on the Sheriff’s Office Aerial Response Team and a seasoned instructor in defensive tactics, firearms, and scenario training. His expertise led to a key role in developing SEU’s Sentinel Program, where he directs staff selection, training, and firearms qualifications to strengthen preparedness for active assailant events.

Recipient of a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Service Medal as a member of the special projects team that developed the Sentinel Program for Southeastern University. The Sentinel Program allowed for a rapid response to active assailant events by armed university personnel who undergo a rigorous selection and training process. The Sentinel Program was the basis for the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, & Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program established by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act in 2018. The Florida Guardian Program has since been implemented in 53 counties across the state.

• Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American Public University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina-Asheville
• Graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Senior Leadership Program
• Graduate of the Florida State University Certified Public Manager Program