The Village of Pleasant Prairie has appointed David Selvidge as the next Chief of Police. Selvidge will be officially sworn in on January 19, 2026, and will begin his duties as Chief that day. The appointment follows the retirement of long-term Police Chief David Smetana and enables a planned, orderly leadership transition within the Pleasant Prairie Police Department.
Incoming Police Chief Selvidge was selected following a competitive recruitment process and was recommended by the Pleasant Prairie Police and Fire Commission. The official appointment was made by Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch and announced during Administrator Comments at the January 12 Village Board meeting. This appointment marks the fifth Police Chief in Pleasant Prairie since 1980, when the Pleasant Prairie Police Department transitioned from part-time constables to a full-time professional law enforcement agency.
Selvidge has served in municipal law enforcement since 2000, building a career focused on operational leadership, officer development, and community-oriented policing. Most recently, Selvidge served as a Police Lieutenant with the City of Chandler, Arizona, where he commanded the Special Operations Section and oversaw SWAT, K-9, and detention units. Additional duties included serving as Patrol Watch Commander, leading high-risk tactical operations, coordinating multi-agency jail efforts, managing budgets, and overseeing recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of sworn personnel.
Prior roles included Police Sergeant, where Selvidge supervised a patrol team, led detectives in the Special Victims Unit, served as Crisis Negotiations Team Leader, and managed internal affairs and professional standards functions. Earlier assignments included patrol officer, detective, field training officer, and specialized investigative roles. Selvidge has also served as an instructor with the National Tactical Officers Association, providing training on tactical command and critical incident management, and as an adjunct criminal justice professor.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as Chief of Police for the Village of Pleasant Prairie,” Selvidge said. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to serving a community that values collaboration, professionalism, and public safety. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department as we continue building a safe and thriving community together.”
Selvidge holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in public administration, along with advanced leadership and command training through the FBI National Academy and other nationally recognized programs. Selvidge has remained active in professional service, including leadership roles with the Arizona Tactical Officers Association.
“The advance retirement notice provided by Chief Smetana allowed for thoughtful succession planning and a smooth leadership transition,” said Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch. “David Selvidge brings experience that aligns with the professionalism of the Police Department and supports the continued delivery of quality public safety services.”
Police Chief appointee Selvidge succeeds Chief David Smetana, marking the conclusion of Smetana’s more than a decade-long service to the community.