FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – The Fargo Police Department (FPD) proudly recognized the recipients of the 2025 Employee of the Year Awards at the Fargo Police Promotions and Awards Ceremony held today, Monday, January 26. These awards recognize FPD personnel – including sworn officers, detectives, supervisors and civilian staff who have demonstrated exceptional service, professionalism and a significant contribution to the department over the past year.
“The Fargo Police Department is incredibly fortunate to be made up of individuals who demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to public safety and to serving our community,” said Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski. “Chosen by their peers, the Employee of the Year Awards recognize those whose dedication and leadership have created a meaningful and lasting impact beyond their daily responsibilities.”
Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Kyle Seehusen demonstrated exceptional leadership while supervising the Red Night Shift, motivating officers to perform at their highest level through professionalism and clear vision. He balanced accountability with genuine care for the operational and personal needs of his team. Sergeant Seehusen emphasized physical readiness and helped build a culture of wellness through regular group workouts. Additionally, training and professional development were core priorities, and he actively contributed by encouraging learning and leading law-enforcement-focused training on his own time. He fostered a strong, team-oriented culture that improved morale, cohesion and performance, making the Red Night Shift a highly sought-after assignment. Even after no longer supervising the team directly, he continued to support officers by checking in and attending briefings. His sustained commitment and leadership make him highly deserving of the Supervisor of the Year Award.
Detective of the Year
Detective Ryan Jasper has served in the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit for approximately four years and is widely regarded as a go-to investigator for identifying suspects and developing actionable intelligence. The Street Crimes Unit’s continued success in 2025 was largely driven by his leadership, work ethic and commitment to apprehending violent offenders in our community. He played a critical role in dismantling a violent juvenile armed robbery group, leading to five arrests, multiple convictions and the removal of key offenders from the community. Detective Jasper was also instrumental in investigations related to the two fatal shootings on August 3. Beyond major cases, he consistently led proactive enforcement efforts, resulting in more than 170 felony arrests and over 20 firearm seizures. He naturally stepped into a mentorship and leadership role, integrating new detectives, setting high standards and strengthening partnerships across agencies. Detective Jasper’s professionalism, teamwork and relentless focus on public safety exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement service and make him deserving of Detective of the Year recognition.
Officer of the Year
Officer Lacey Bunkelman has served The Fargo Police Department since 2016 and is currently assigned to the Community Engagement Team, where she consistently went above and beyond throughout 2025. She took ownership of complex community issues, built strong relationships with residents and businesses and produced measurable results, particularly in Downtown Fargo. A key part of her impact involved leadership in mental health response, working with partners to connect high-need individuals to appropriate services and reduce repeat calls for service. She also coordinated a VA resources training for officers, improving the department’s ability to support veterans in crisis. Officer Bunkelman’s sustained Downtown engagement efforts reduced repeat complaints and strengthened trust through consistent communication and problem-solving. In addition, she led efforts related to the Trikke patrol program, supported recruit and patrol training and contributed significantly to public outreach and social media efforts that expanded community engagement. Across all roles, she exemplified professionalism, accountability and guardianship, reflecting the very best of The Fargo Police Department and making her a deserving recipient of the Officer of the Year award.
Civilian Employee of the Year
Quartermaster Sara Fix was selected as The Fargo Police Department’s Civilian of the Year in recognition of her exceptional performance, reliability and dedication to the department’s mission. In her role, she manages the full lifecycle of all department equipment, uniforms and gear, ensuring accurate tracking, accountability and compliance with departmental standards. Sara consistently secures high-quality, cost-effective equipment by researching vendors, comparing bids and coordinating purchases without compromising quality. During the year, she led major projects, including a complete inventory overhaul, selecting a new clothing and equipment vendor, issuing updated body cameras, managing rifle plates and ballistic helmets and outfitting personnel for new Trikkes. She also routinely supports specialized units, major operations and large-scale training events, often on tight timelines. Through improved tracking and streamlined issuing processes, she reduced turnaround time, minimized equipment loss and increased officer readiness. Her behind-the-scenes work has had a significant impact on daily operations and officer safety, making her deserving of the Civilian Employee of the Year award.