Doug Wiles Assistant City Administrator | Bismarck ND City Government
Doug Wiles Assistant City Administrator | Bismarck ND City Government
Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch has announced his plans to retire from the Bismarck Police Department after 36 years of service. His last day will be July 31, 2025.
Law enforcement has been a constant in Draovitch's life. His father, Dan, was Chief of Police for the Minot Police Department. His wife is a retired police officer, and her father was Chief of Police for the Fargo Police Department.
Reflecting on his career, Chief Draovitch said, “I have been truly blessed to work alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Bismarck, and I have been immensely proud to call this community home throughout my career.”
Chief Draovitch's career began as a patrol officer in 1989, then he was promoted to Sergeant in 2003, Lieutenant in 2006, Deputy Chief in 2013, and Chief of Police in 2018. He will retire in this final role.
Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz expressed gratitude for Draovitch's service, saying, “Having lived in Bismarck the majority of my life, I have appreciated the service that the Bismarck Police Department provides for our community...Bismarck has benefitted in so many ways from his dedication and service, culminating with his leadership as Chief of Police over these past eight years. We wish him nothing but the greatest retirement possible.”
Chief Draovitch was also a notable K-9 handler during his patrol years and worked closely with K-9 partners Bo and Kodiak. His career involved significant advancements in the department, including implementing body-worn cameras, enhancing ballistic protection for officer safety, launching a drone program, and adopting Intelligence-Led Policing. Draovitch also led the department through the 2021 and 2025 re-accreditation processes for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
When speaking of his retirement, Draovitch expressed confidence in the department's future, noting its strong leadership and dedicated officers. He leaves a legacy of innovation, service, and dedication to the community's safety.
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