In 1989, David joined the United States Army and remained in the military until 1997, at which time he was honorably discharged.

A year later, he began his professional career in the fire service with the Strafford Fire Protection District, serving as a volunteer. During this time, he attended the Firefighter Academy at Ozark Technical Community College in Springfield, MO. After completion of the academy and the EMT course, He was employed by Strafford Fire Protection District.

In 2001, David gained employment as a Firefighter with the city of Poplar Bluff, MO. Two years later in addition to this employment, he entered into the United States Army Reserves as a firefighter, which provided him with the opportunity to attend the Department of Defense Firefighter Academy in San Angelo, TX.

In 2008, David was promoted to the position of Captain, when he began his training as a fire investigator at Missouri Division of Fire Safety CFI Program. Through this program, he obtained his MDFS-CFI, which is a tested program that requires annual training and recertification.

In addition to his career as a Fire Officer and Investigator for the Poplar Bluff Fire Department, David gained employment with Midwest Fire Consulting Group, LLC as a Fire Consultant, in 2011. In 2012, while maintaining employment in both public and private sectors, he completed a 740 hour Law Enforcement Academy through Missouri Sheriff Association and became IAAI-FIT certified. He currently serves as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for Butler County, MO along with his employment at Poplar Bluff Fire Department and Midwest Fire Consulting Group, LLC.

Due to the importance David gives to education and training, he is currently seeking degrees in Fire Science and Criminal Justice at Three Rivers Community College, in Poplar Bluff, MO.