David is a 6th generation Floridian and lifelong resident of Highlands County.  He has served the public as a Deputy Sheriff, firefighter, business owner, and as an elected official for 12 years.   He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice and is currently working on his Masters in Public Administration, with a concentration in Emergency and Disaster Management.  He has twice received the Rotary ‘Service Above Self’ Award and the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.  He was the Rotarian of the Year in 2001 and was elected to Who’s Who in Highlands County.  He has an extensive background in public safety and community service, and volunteers with the Rotary Club, Take Stock in Children, Habitat for Humanity, and his church.  He has been married to Dani for almost 21 years and they have 2 teenage daughters.  He is also a musician and singer, and enjoys fishing and working on his old ‘muscle’ cars.