By Jerry Bleck, APCO Senior Member, Illinois Chapter

It is with deep regret that the Illinois APCO Chapter announces the passing of David B. Smith, Sr. age 64, of East Dundee, Illinois, in October 2013. All of Dave’s professional career was served in public service and safety.

Dave served as the East Dundee Chief of Police from 1977-1986, then as the East Dundee Village Administrator from 1986-1999. From 2000-2008 Dave served as the Director of Criminal Justice and the Public Safety Associates Degree Communications Program at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois, which included the first college degree program for 9-1-1 telecommunicators in the state.

Dave always had great foresight and was one who saw the need and great value of telecommunicator training in public safety. From 2008 until the time of his death, Dave served as the Executive Director of the QuadCom 9-1-1 Regional Communications Center for the Cities of Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, and South Barrington, Illinois. As Chief of Police in East Dundee he was one of the founding fathers of the QuadCom Dispatch Center in 1980. Dave was a long-time member of both APCO and NENA.

Dave was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a good and faithful friend to many people and a well respected pillar in public service and safety. Dave is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly, their sons: David B. Jr. and Timothy Smith, and by his grandson, Logan. Dave was a true dedicated public safety professional and will be greatly missed.