FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – The City of Fargo has appointed Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz as Interim Chief of Police, effective Monday, March 30, 2026. The City Commission approved the appointment during its regular meeting Monday night, following the retirement of former Chief Dave Zibolski on Friday, March 27.
“Assistant Chief Stefonowicz brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience, strong leadership and a deep understanding of this department and community,” said Fargo City Administrator Michael Redlinger. “His steady, thoughtful approach and commitment to both public safety and officer wellness make him exceptionally well-suited to lead The Fargo Police Department as we move forward with the process of selecting the next Chief of Police.”
Stefonowicz joined The Fargo Police Department in May 2002 after serving as a police officer in Aurora, Colorado, and working as a dispatcher at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center. Stefonowicz served on the Red River Regional SWAT Team for nine years as an Operator, Basic Training Instructor and Team Leader. His service and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including Fargo Police Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and North Dakota Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #277. In October 2023, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley appointed Stefonowicz to the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. In 2024, he attended the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session #92, becoming the first graduate from North Dakota to complete the program since 1989. Over the course of his career with the FPD, he has held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and, most recently, Assistant Chief since July 2021.
As Assistant Chief, Stefonowicz has played a key role in providing leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight for the department. He has overseen critical areas, including resource allocation, personnel management, training initiatives and community-oriented policing efforts. His leadership has helped advance several important initiatives, including the development of employee wellness programming and the implementation of the department’s first-ever Fargo Police Academy.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving alongside the dedicated men and women of The Fargo Police Department,” said Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals who are deeply committed to this profession and to our community. During this period of transition, my focus will be on providing consistency, stability and support for our team while we strive to provide the high level of service our community expects and deserves.”
The City of Fargo will begin the process of selecting a permanent Chief of Police, with additional details to be announced at a later date.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz will be available for pre-recorded, individual interviews from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, in Gateway Commons at Fargo Police Headquarters (105 25th St. N.). To allow all media outlets a chance for individual interviews, interview times will be limited to approximately 10 minutes. To schedule a time, please contact the Public Safety PIO team.