PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – After more than four decades in law enforcement, Pleasant Prairie Police Chief David Smetana has announced plans to retire in early 2026. His advance notice gives the village time to recruit a successor and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch praised Smetana for strengthening the department during his tenure. “Chief Smetana has reinforced its commitment to preparedness and training. His early notice ensures the department will have a smooth and well-planned transition,” Rindfleisch said.

Smetana began his career in 1983 with the Racine Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from patrolman to interim chief. In January 2013, he became Pleasant Prairie’s fourth police chief. During his 12 years leading the department, he oversaw significant changes: expanding officer training, implementing new technologies for crime prevention, achieving law enforcement accreditation, and increasing attention to officer mental health.

The department also strengthened regional partnerships and community engagement. Under his leadership, voters approved a 2022 public safety referendum that added more officers, bringing the force to 40 full-time members. Earlier this year, the department moved into a modern police station designed to support operations well into the future.

“Chief Smetana was a ready and willing mentor to me when I was appointed to my role as Chief in Kenosha. Chief Smetana has 43 years of dedicated and loyal service to both the City of Racine and Village of Pleasant Prairie. Both agencies are lucky to have had his leadership and they are no doubt stronger because of it. There wasn’t a time he didn’t answer the phone for me when I sought guidance, support, or just needed an ear for my own well-being. I am grateful that I have him as a friend and I know that even though he is retiring, he will continue to be there when needed….because that is the type of selfless and caring person he is. I wish him a well-deserved retirement,” said Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton.

“On behalf of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Dave Smetana on the announcement of his well-earned retirement. Chief Smetana has been a steadfast leader, a dedicated public servant, and a true partner in public safety.

Over the years, our agencies have worked closely, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity, professionalism, and deep commitment he brings to his department and his community. His leadership has made a lasting impact, and he leaves behind a legacy of service that will continue to benefit Kenosha County for years to come.

While law enforcement is losing one of its finest, I’m grateful for the friendship and partnership we’ve shared throughout his tenure. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter, Chief, you’ve earned it.”

Sheriff David W. Zoerner
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Dave Smetana on his upcoming retirement this January. Since the day I stepped into the role of Chief, he has been a steady source of support and guidance. Anytime I had a question, he was there without hesitation. His help was especially meaningful during some of the most difficult moments our department has faced, including when we tragically lost an officer and a dispatcher due to medical issues.Chief Smetana’s leadership and friendship have left a lasting mark on me and on our profession. I wish him a long, healthy, and very well-deserved retirement,” said Twin Lakes Police Chief Katie Hall.

Smetana granted KCE an interview Friday Afternoon.

Smetana said the decision to announce his retirement early was deliberate. “It is an honor to work alongside the men and women of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Announcing my plans now provides Village leadership the time needed to make a thoughtful transition. The police and fire commission will interview a large group of candidates and give an approved list to the village administrator.”

Smetana said the decision to announce his retirement early was deliberate. “It is an honor to work alongside the men and women of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Announcing my plans now provides Village leadership the time needed to make a thoughtful transition.”

While Smetana has no professional plans after retirement, he said his focus will be on his family. “At this point, after 43 years of doing this, I want to spend time with my family and get to know my wife again. I’m looking forward to spending time with my grandkids.”

He admitted what he will miss most are the people he’s worked alongside. “I’ll miss the cops the most. It’s never been a job for me. I’ve always loved it and I still do. I’ll brag about my cops — we’ve had great success as cops. If I had it to do over again, I would do everything exactly the same. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

When asked about the Village hiring an internal vs. external candidate, Smetana said, “I don’t want to put my thumb on the scale. I got hired from outside the agency, but I’ve spent the last 13 years preparing others for this role. We will have great internal and external candidates because this is a strong agency with strong community support.”

He acknowledged that law enforcement takes a toll and that stepping aside is the right decision. “It wasn’t a really tough decision. Being a cop is a young person’s game. Life doesn’t go on forever.”

When asked how he wants to be remembered, Smetana said: “I’ve always wanted to be remembered as a street cop. That’s what everyone looked up to when I started, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to be. Now it’s time to pass the baton to a new chief who can take it further than we’ve taken it as a team.”

Recruitment for a new police chief is underway, with applications being accepted online at pleasantprairiewi.gov/employment.

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