Dave was awarded the OAM in 1990 for service to the Royal Australian Air Force as a helicopter loadmaster instructor with 5 Squadron. He was also an instructor on the first army loadmaster course conducted at 5 Squadron, then in 1990, Dave was commissioned as an Administrative Officer.

Dave left the RAAF in 1994 and joined the NSW Police Service where he served in East Timor as part of the Australian Federal Police Contingent to the UNCIVPOL. Whilst there in 2003, Dave was awarded a Commendation for Bravery, the Australian Federal Police Commissioners Commendation for Bravery and the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia Bravery Cross for an incident in the Covalima District of East Timor. On his return to Australia Dave was promoted to Sergeant and is currently the Officer-In-Charge of Junee Police Sector.