More about the Chief

Don Lanpher, Jr. was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. and graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School.  He entered the U.S. Navy after high school and after four years and an honorable discharge returned to Yankton, South Dakota to attend College.  After three years at Yankton College he transferred to the University of Idaho located in Moscow, Idaho.  During the fall of 1975 he took a part-time job as a night watchman for the University of Idaho.  While continuing his studies he accepted a fulltime job as dispatcher for the newly created Campus Division of the Moscow Police Department.  He applied for and became a fulltime Moscow Police Officer in Feb. 1977.  He moved up through the ranks and retired as a Captain after 27 years of dedicated service to the community of Moscow.

On July 19, 2004 he was sworn in as the new Chief of Police in Aberdeen.  He is looking forward to the many challenges and opportunities in this position. 

He has bachelors degree in General Studies from the University of Idaho, is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, and F.B.I. Command College.  Don resides in Aberdeen with his wife Anna.

He enjoys many South Dakota activities and enjoys working with the many fine men and women of the Aberdeen Police Department.