Hoosier Lottery Beneficiary, Local Police & Firefighters’ Pensions

Dave was awaiting a job as a firefighter when he was approached about working as a correctional officer for the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office in Evansville, Ind.

What he thought would be a temporary stint before joining the fire department ended up being a fulfilling, 42-year career in law enforcement. In 1983, he attended the academy and accepted a position as Deputy Sheriff. Years later he was promoted to Chief Deputy, and then later successfully ran for Sheriff himself in the 2014 election. Although he was nervous about running and taking on the position, he knew it was the right thing to do. “It’s been a good journey,” he said. “I enjoy the work and love helping people.”

Throughout his career, Dave wore many hats and oversaw many different sections of the office. One of his favorite duties was working with the K-9 police dogs. He recalls that much of what he did went beyond law enforcement. “We spent a lot of time helping people who were in bad circumstances,” he said. “We also found ways to help the families of people who were incarcerated.”

Dave has always been very supportive of children’s charities. “Here in our community, we have raised millions of dollars through law enforcement and fire services for the children. I’m so proud of what we’ve done,” he said.

Some of the charities Dave has worked with include Deaconess Riley Children’s Services, local food banks and community centers. He also participated in Shop with a Cop at Christmas, where kids get to pick out gifts with a member of law enforcement.

“I loved my job, my office staff and the people in my community,” Dave said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to serve the Sheriff’s Office.”

Now, in retirement, Dave is still keeping busy. He contracts for a company that sells products to jails and prisons and is staying involved in state politics.

He also enjoys spending time with his two daughters and four grandchildren and is a big fan of the outdoors. He fishes, hunts, loves going to high school and college football games, and always makes health and fitness a priority.

Dave is a Hoosier through and through and has lived in Indiana his whole life. “I’ve loved growing up here and living here, and I enjoy traveling across our state to see all the different cities,” he said.

The Hoosier Lottery would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dave and all the other police department personnel who make a huge difference in the lives of so many, each and every day.