Dave Panzer, Jr. started his career in law enforcement with the Vermillion Police Department in 1987, and held the respective positions of Communications Officer and Patrol Officer in that agency.
Panzer became a Certified Law Enforcement Officer for the State of South Dakota in the spring of 1989.
Dave Panzer was then hired as a Patrol Officer for the City Of Pierre in July 1989. Chief Panzer has 24 plus years experience with the Pierre Police Department and has held the respective ranks of Assistant Shift Commander, Patrol Lieutenant and Patrol Captain before being promoted to Chief of Police in 2014.
Throughout his tenure at the Pierre Police Department, Chief Panzer has administered several agency programs to include the Crime Prevention Program, Police Training Program, Police Reserve Program, SWAT Team and the Traffic Enforcement Team. Chief Panzer is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #208 and the South Dakota Police Chiefs Academy.
Dave’s family includes his wife Patty and daughter Miranda.