Sergeant John Pfanstiel was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and currently resides in St Charles County with his wife and two children. He is assigned to the Tactical Operations Unit as a supervisor. He is one of two sergeants responsible for the operations of the Tactical Operations Unit, which includes response to all hostage/barricade situations, civil disorder, dignitary protection details and the execution of all search warrants within St. Louis County.
Upon graduation from High School, Sergeant Pfanstiel enlisted in the United States Army where he has served over 22 years both on active duty and reserve. During his service in the Army, Sergeant Pfanstiel served as a team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, platoon leader, and company commander, including several deployments to the Middle East.
Sergeant Pfanstiel joined the Department in 1998 and was assigned to the North County Precinct from 1998 to 2003 and the Tactical Operations Unit from 2003 until his promotion to Sergeant in June, 2012. He served as a watch commander in the North County precinct until his transfer to his current assignment in April 2013.
In his previous assignment to the Tactical Operations Unit, Sergeant Pfanstiel served as Entry Team Point Man, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader. In addition, he also served as an instructor in the following areas: Shotgun/pistol, Taser, Tactical Shield, MACTAC, and ALiCE.
Sergeant Pfanstiel earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and Basic EMT from Oklahoma City Community College.