Dave Dailey to serve as Purcellville’s Interim Chief of Police

With the retirement of Chief McAlister, Deputy Chief Dave Dailey will serve as the Interim Chief of Police effective May 1, until a permanent Chief is identified. Chief Dailey brings a wealth of experience to this role having served as Purcellville’s Deputy Chief for five years, and is well-equipped to lead the department during this period of change. 

As Interim Chief of Police, Dailey will continue to prioritize community engagement, officer well-being, and the effective implementation of strategies to enhance public safety. He will work closely with departmental personnel, local authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure that the Town of Purcellville remains safe.

“We look forward to his continued leadership and the positive impact he will have on our community,” said Purcellville Town Manager Rick Bremseth.

Said Dailey, “I am honored to have been entrusted to lead the men and women of the Purcellville Police Department in service to our great community.”

Dailey has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Pennsylvania State University. He is also a graduate of the 234^th Session of the FBI National Academy, a graduate of the 66^th Session of the Senior Management Institute for Policing, and a graduate of the Institute for Leadership in Changing Times. In addition, he is also a graduate of the 1^st session of the West Point Leadership Program for Law Enforcement.

Dailey came to the Town of Purcellville five years ago, after 29 years of service with the Arlington County Police Department. He joined the Arlington County Police Department in July 1989. 

He served with the Arlington County Police Department as the Commander of the Organized Crime Section, the Special Operations Section, the Patrol Section, the Internal Affairs Division and the Tactical Operations Section. He also served as the deputy director of Basic Training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy.

He was a first responder to the Pentagon on 9/11, and served as the night shift incident commander. Dailey is also a Certified Crisis Negotiator.

Among the many awards Dailey received during his nearly three-decade career in Arlington were the two Lifesaving awards and one Meritorious Action Awards.

Dailey has lived in Loudoun County since 1993. His wife, Kathy, is a kindergarten teacher. They have two adult daughters.