Dave Sanderson is a mild-mannered former police officer and the former boyfriend of Leslie Knope. He was sent to San Diego after being called to duty in the US Army Reserve.
Storyline
Season Two
Dave met Leslie after arresting Tom Haverford and helped her to get back into the dating game. He took his police work very seriously, often giving Leslie advice to keep her from breaking the law. He was once pressured by Leslie on Halloween into following Greg Pikitis, eventually catching him defacing Mayor Percy's statue. He often talks to the camera about his personal feelings, usually regretting what he said after the fact. He was enlisted in the US Army Reserve, which led to his unit eventually being called into active duty in San Diego, where he will be doing custodial work for 18 months. Dave asks Leslie in the episode "Christmas Scandal" to move with him to San Diego, and although she was considering it, she ultimately declines and they part ways amicably.
Season Four
Dave returns to Pawnee in the episode "Dave Returns", admitting he's still in love with Leslie.