Fargo Moves to Make Interim Police Chief Permanent

City leaders aim to appoint Travis Stefonowicz as the next permanent police chief.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:37am

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone police cruiser parked on a dimly lit city street, the vehicle's form and shadows conveying a sense of contemplation and transition within the local law enforcement community.A somber, reflective scene captures the weight of leadership decisions facing Fargo's police force.Fargo Today

The City of Fargo is working to make interim police chief Travis Stefonowicz the permanent leader of the police department. A letter from department staff cites Stefonowicz's 20 years of experience and deep institutional knowledge as reasons he should be appointed the next chief. City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg has added the topic to the next city commission meeting agenda, where she plans to recommend Stefonowicz's permanent appointment.

Why it matters

The decision to make Stefonowicz the permanent police chief comes at a critical time, as the department has faced leadership challenges and restrictions on access for nearly two years. Appointing a permanent chief would allow Stefonowicz to enact necessary changes and prepare the department's budget without the limitations of an interim role.

The details

Stefonowicz was named interim police chief in late March after the retirement of former chief Dave Zibolski. A letter from department staff, including officers, investigators, detectives, and civilian employees, cites Stefonowicz's 20 years of experience and deep understanding of the department's mission, operations, and challenges as reasons he should be appointed the permanent chief.

  • Stefonowicz was named interim police chief at the end of March 2026.
  • The Fargo City Commission will discuss Stefonowicz's potential permanent appointment at their next meeting on Monday.

The players

Travis Stefonowicz

The interim police chief of Fargo, North Dakota, who has 20 years of experience with the department and is being considered for the permanent chief position.

Michelle Turnberg

A Fargo City Commissioner who has added the topic of Stefonowicz's permanent appointment to the agenda for the next city commission meeting, where she plans to recommend he be named the permanent police chief.

Dave Zibolski

The former police chief of Fargo who retired, leading to Stefonowicz being named interim chief.

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What they’re saying

“After being restricted access to the department for nearly two years, I have engaged in extensive dialogue with department staff and the interim chief.”

— Michelle Turnberg, Fargo City Commissioner

“With 20 years of experience, he brings significant institutional knowledge and deep understanding of the department's mission, operations and challenges.”

— Department Staff, Officers, Investigators, Detectives, and Civilian Employees

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission will discuss and vote on whether to appoint Travis Stefonowicz as the permanent police chief at their next meeting on Monday.

The takeaway

The effort to make Stefonowicz the permanent police chief in Fargo comes at a critical time, as the department has faced leadership challenges and restrictions. Appointing an experienced, knowledgeable leader like Stefonowicz could provide much-needed stability and allow him to enact necessary changes to improve the department.