FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – The Fargo City Commission voted 5-0 Monday night to select Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz as Fargo’s 39th Chief of Police. Chief Stefonowicz brings 25 years of policing experience, grounded in steady leadership, deep operational experience and a longstanding commitment to officer wellness and community safety.
“Chief Stefonowicz has dedicated the majority of his career to this department and this city,” City Administrator Michael Redlinger said. “He understands Fargo, he understands our officers and he understands what it takes to maintain a strong, stable and forward-thinking police force. His long record of service and his focus on officer wellness and community safety reflect the values of Fargo well.”
Stefonowicz began his career with the Fargo Police Department in May 2002, bringing prior experience as a police officer in Aurora, Colorado, and as a dispatcher with the Red River Regional Dispatch Center. Over the years, he became a key member of the Red River Regional SWAT Team, serving nine years in roles that included Operator, Basic Training Instructor and Team Leader. His dedication to service has been recognized through several major honors, including Fargo Police Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and North Dakota Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Human Resources, Stefonowicz is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #277). In 2023, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley appointed him to the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. The following year, he completed the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session #92, becoming the first North Dakotan to graduate from the program since 1989. Throughout his tenure with FPD, he has progressed through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and most recently, Interim Chief of Police.
Stefonowicz said his priority as Chief will be to maintain stability while continuing to advance initiatives that support officers and build trust throughout the community.
“It is an honor to serve as Chief of Police in the city I call home,” said Chief Stefonowicz. “The Fargo Police Department is filled with dedicated professionals who care deeply about this community. My focus will be on supporting our team, strengthening our relationships with residents and the community and ensuring we maintain the high standard of safety and service Fargo expects and deserves.”
Chief Stefonowicz will hold community forums in the coming months to meet residents and hear their concerns as he shapes the Fargo Police Department’s priorities and long term strategy. Details on dates and locations will be shared at a later date.