Fargo City Administrator Discusses Interim Police Leadership and Search for New Chief

Redlinger expresses confidence in interim team, outlines timeline for new chief selection process

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:32pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone police car parked on a dimly lit, deserted city street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood around the vehicle.As Fargo searches for a new police chief, the city's interim leadership team must navigate the challenges of maintaining public trust and community engagement.Fargo Today

Fargo City Administrator Michael Redlinger spoke about the appointment of Travis Stefonowicz as interim police chief and the timeline for the search to find a permanent replacement. Redlinger expressed confidence in the interim leadership team and noted the challenges the city faced during the last chief search in 2020 amid nationwide civil unrest. The application period for the new chief position is set to begin on May 11 and end on June 19, with the goal of making an offer as soon as August.

Why it matters

The selection of a new police chief is a critical decision for the city of Fargo, as the police department plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and community relations. The interim leadership period and the search process will be closely watched by residents to ensure a transparent and inclusive process that addresses the city's policing needs.

The details

After the Fargo City Commission approved the appointment of Travis Stefonowicz as interim police chief, City Administrator Michael Redlinger expressed confidence in the interim leadership team, stating that they will 'do a great job' during the transition period. Redlinger acknowledged the challenges the city faced during the last chief search in 2020, which coincided with nationwide civil unrest and protests. The application period for the new chief position will begin on May 11 and end on June 19, with the goal of making an offer as soon as August. City Commissioner Denise Kolpack emphasized the importance of community engagement in the search process, noting that the more the city can 'talk about this and bring them along, and be part of it sincerely, the more important it's going to be for the final selection and the success'.

  • The Fargo City Commission approved appointing Travis Stefonowicz as the interim police chief on March 31, 2026.
  • The application period for the new police chief position will begin on May 11, 2026 and end on June 19, 2026.
  • The city aims to make an offer for the new police chief position as soon as August 2026.

The players

Michael Redlinger

The City Administrator of Fargo, North Dakota, who spoke about the interim police leadership and the timeline for the search for a new police chief.

Travis Stefonowicz

The interim police chief of Fargo, North Dakota, appointed by the city commission.

Denise Kolpack

A Fargo City Commissioner who emphasized the importance of community engagement in the search process for the new police chief.

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What they’re saying

“(I have) full confidence and full belief that our interim leadership is going to do a great job in this interim period.”

— Michael Redlinger, City Administrator

“The more we can talk about this and bring them along, and be part of it sincerely, the more important it's going to be for the final selection and the success.”

— Denise Kolpack, City Commissioner

What’s next

The city will begin accepting applications for the new police chief position on May 11, 2026, with the goal of making an offer as soon as August 2026.

The takeaway

The selection of a new police chief is a critical decision for Fargo, and the city is taking steps to ensure a transparent and inclusive process that engages the community. The interim leadership period and the search timeline suggest the city is moving quickly to find a permanent replacement, underscoring the importance of this role in maintaining public safety and community trust.