Fargo Police Chief Faced Highs and Lows During Tenure

David Zibolski's personnel file shows praise and performance improvement plans during his 5-year leadership of the department.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:02pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A police department's internal records reveal the highs and lows of a chief's tenure, from praise for progressive policies to disciplinary action for public relations missteps.Fargo Today

A review of former Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski's personnel file reveals the ups and downs of his five-year tenure leading the department. Zibolski, who retired last Friday, received praise early on for improving officer safety policies and deploying body cameras, but also faced multiple performance improvement plans and disciplinary action later in his tenure.

Why it matters

Zibolski's experience highlights the challenges of leading a police department, with high expectations from both the public and city administration. The details of his personnel file provide a rare glimpse into the internal workings and oversight of a police chief's performance.

The details

Zibolski's first annual review praised his work to improve department policies on officer safety, including the successful early deployment of body-worn cameras. In 2021, he received a letter of commendation from the state highway patrol superintendent for providing impactful data on crime trends. However, in 2022 he was tasked with responding to a Performance Action Plan established by the city to 'improve the leadership and direction of the Fargo Police Department.' Zibolski later submitted a 24-page response that discussed a Performance Improvement Plan for himself. In August 2025, he was issued written discipline by the city administrator for being 'discourteous and terse' with the media during a press conference, and was placed on a second 90-day Performance Improvement Plan.

  • Zibolski was hired as Fargo Police Chief in August 2020.
  • His first annual review praising his work was conducted in 2021.
  • Zibolski received a commendation letter from the state highway patrol in 2021.
  • Zibolski was tasked with responding to a Performance Action Plan in 2022.
  • Zibolski was issued written discipline and a second Performance Improvement Plan in August 2025.

The players

David Zibolski

The former police chief of the Fargo Police Department, who retired in 2026 after a five-year tenure marked by both praise and performance issues.

Michael Redlinger

The former assistant city administrator who conducted Zibolski's first annual review, and later served as the city administrator who issued him written discipline.

Brandon Solberg

The former superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol, who commended Zibolski in 2021 for providing impactful data on crime trends.

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What they’re saying

“You and Sgt. Matt Christensen provided impactful information including overdose and related death data for Fargo. Also, you pointed out the disparity between penalties in North Dakota and Minnesota.”

— Brandon Solberg, North Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent

“I invite city administration to attend our executive staff meetings, shadow me and participate in ride along activities, etc., in order to better understand the comprehensive and dynamic environment that is the police department. It is not unexpected that elected officials are unfamiliar with the idiosyncrasies, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead such an organization.”

— David Zibolski, Former Fargo Police Chief

“You became discourteous and terse with members of the media when responding to questions about an August 3, 2025, critical incident that occurred in Fargo. Your responses were perceived as dismissive and unbecoming of the Office of the Chief and the Police Department.”

— Michael Redlinger, Fargo City Administrator

What’s next

The city will likely conduct a search for a new police chief to replace Zibolski, who retired in 2026 after a tumultuous final years leading the department.

The takeaway

Zibolski's experience as Fargo police chief underscores the challenges of leading a law enforcement agency, with high expectations from both the public and city administration. His personnel file reveals the delicate balance between praise for progressive policies and disciplinary action for perceived missteps, highlighting the complex role of a modern police chief.