Fargo Police Chief Zibolski Announces Retirement

Zibolski says he's leaving the department "on a good note" after 5 years as chief.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski announced his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday. Zibolski expressed gratitude for his department and the community, stating the department is "filled with outstanding men and women" and that he's "leaving the department on a good note." The Fargo City Commission will appoint an interim chief, with Zibolski recommending his assistant chief Travis Stefonowicz to take over in the interim. The process to find a permanent replacement will take some time as the city has an upcoming election in June.

Why it matters

Zibolski's retirement marks a significant transition for the Fargo Police Department after 5 years under his leadership. His departure raises questions about the future direction of the department and the city's approach to public safety as a new chief is selected.

The details

At the press conference, Zibolski said his executive team is "well prepared" for the transition and that the department has "great leadership in place at all levels." He noted the department finished the year with a "huge reduction in crime across the board" and is continuing to push forward with new technology and wellness initiatives for officers. The Fargo City Commission will decide on an interim chief, with Zibolski recommending his assistant chief Travis Stefonowicz to take over in the interim. The process to find a permanent replacement will take some time as the city has an upcoming election in June and wants to involve the new elected officials in the selection process.

  • Zibolski announced his retirement on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Fargo will hold a city election in June 2026.

The players

David Zibolski

The outgoing Fargo Police Chief who is retiring after 5 years in the role.

Travis Stefonowicz

The Fargo Police Assistant Chief who Zibolski has recommended to serve as interim chief.

Fargo City Commission

The governing body that will appoint an interim police chief and oversee the process to select a permanent replacement.

Michael Redlinger

The Fargo City Administrator who stated the city will be "careful and considerate and thoughtful" about the process to find a permanent police chief replacement.

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What they’re saying

“Our department is filled with outstanding men and women who go out there every day to keep our community safe. I'm very proud of all of their efforts and all of our accomplishments during my tenure.”

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (am1100theflag.com)

“He's prepared. He's got the skills and he's very well supported by the department as well. The Commission has to decide that, but that would certainly be my recommendation.”

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (am1100theflag.com)

“We'll get a process underway. We'll work with the current commission. But obviously we have a number of new elected officials potentially joining our board and we'll want to make sure that they're a part of a future process as well.”

— Michael Redlinger, Fargo City Administrator (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission will decide on an interim police chief to lead the department until a permanent replacement for Zibolski is selected. The process to find a permanent chief will involve the current commission as well as any new elected officials joining the board after the June 2026 city election.

The takeaway

Zibolski's retirement after 5 years as Fargo's police chief marks a significant transition for the department. His departure raises questions about the future direction of public safety in Fargo as a new chief is selected, with the city aiming to involve both current and incoming elected officials in the process.