Originally from Twining, Dale enlisted in the State Police in February 1977. After graduating from the 90th Trooper Recruit School, he was assigned to Northville Post #21. Subsequent assignments have been at Bridgeport Post #37, SECID (Narcotics Team 1), Cheboygan Post #72, and Newberry Post #82. In 1995, Dale was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Reed City Post #62. He subsequently transferred to St. Ignace Post #83 where he is currently assigned. Departmentally, Dale has received advanced training as an Evidence Technician, Field Training Officer, and Firearms Instructor. He is a three-time recipient of the Michigan State Police Professional Excellence Award.

Dale's active involvement in the Troopers Association started in 1996 when he was elected as the Post Representative at the Reed City Post. In 2006, he was elected to the Executive Board as the Region II Sergeant Representative. Dale serves as a member of the Safety Committee, Finance Committee, and Retiree Committee. He is the previous Sergeant-At-Arms.

Prior to his appointment to trooper recruit school, Dale started in the State Police in 1974 as a service trooper in the Service Trooper Program. While in this former program, Dale was assigned to Flint Post #35, Jackson Post #41, and Northville Post #21. He has attended Lansing Community College. Dale currently resides in Cheboygan with his family.