Fargo Interim Police Chief Outlines Plans for Department and Community Engagement

Stefonowicz aims to listen to staff, build partnerships, and encourage community involvement as he seeks permanent chief role.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:58am

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Fargo's interim police chief, Travis Stefonowicz, has outlined his plans for the department and his commitment to community engagement as he seeks to become the permanent chief. Stefonowicz, who started as a dispatcher in Fargo, has received support from local law enforcement leaders and wants to focus on listening to his staff and the community before making changes. He is applying for the permanent chief position and emphasizes the importance of the department working closely with the community to prevent crime.

Why it matters

The transition in Fargo's police leadership comes at a critical time, as the department faces complex community issues. Stefonowicz's approach of listening and building partnerships could help strengthen trust between the police and the public, which is essential for effective law enforcement and crime prevention.

The details

Stefonowicz, who started as a dispatcher in Fargo, has been named the interim police chief after the retirement of former chief David Zibolski. Stefonowicz says he has received support from other local law enforcement leaders, including the Cass County Sheriff and police chiefs in Moorhead and West Fargo. While he acknowledges there are changes he would like to make, Stefonowicz is hesitant to institute them immediately, wanting to first meet with staff and listen to their concerns. He is applying for the permanent chief position and emphasizes the importance of the department working closely with the community through regular beat meetings to prevent crime.

  • Stefonowicz was appointed as interim police chief earlier this week.
  • Fargo's former police chief, David Zibolski, retired after more than five years of service.

The players

Travis Stefonowicz

The interim police chief of the Fargo Police Department, who started his career in Fargo as a dispatcher and is now applying for the permanent chief position.

David Zibolski

The former police chief of the Fargo Police Department, who retired after more than five years of service.

Sheriff Jahner

The sheriff of Cass County, who has expressed support for Stefonowicz.

Chief Helmick

The police chief of Moorhead, Minnesota, who has expressed support for Stefonowicz.

Chief Nielsen

A local police chief who has expressed support for Stefonowicz.

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What they’re saying

“I've had the other chiefs and sheriffs locally reach out with their support. Sheriff Jahner is very supportive, Chief Helmick over in Moorhead (is) very supportive, Chief Nielsen also (is) supportive.”

— Travis Stefonowicz, Interim Police Chief, Fargo Police Department

“If we have everybody in the community engaged in our crime prevention efforts and things of that nature, boy, we're a tough team to beat then.”

— Travis Stefonowicz, Interim Police Chief, Fargo Police Department

What’s next

Stefonowicz plans to meet with all Fargo Police Department staff individually and in work groups to listen to their concerns before making any major changes. He will also be applying for the permanent police chief position, with the selection process to be determined by the city.

The takeaway

Stefonowicz's focus on listening to his staff and the community, building partnerships with local law enforcement, and encouraging community engagement could help strengthen trust and cooperation between the Fargo Police Department and the public it serves, which is essential for effective crime prevention and public safety.