Summary
Fargo named Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz as interim police chief while the search for a permanent chief moves forward. City Administrator Michael Redlinger updated the commission on the search process.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
The police chief's salary and the cost of any expedited search process will come from the city's general budget.
Residents get continuity in police leadership during the transition.
Supporters of a direct appointment of the interim chief saw their preferred path rejected, and the split vote leaves the process politically contested.
Mentions & discussions (5)
2026.05.11_fcc - May 12, 2026
The city picked interim Chief Stefanowitz as the permanent police chief after a fast-tracked search. He's a 25-year department veteran, and some commissioners questioned whether the public got enough chance to weigh in given the rushed timeline.
City Commission - Apr 13, 2026
The commission split 3-2 on how to fill the city's top police job. A direct appointment of Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz failed, and the board instead chose an expedited 'Option 2' process — a sign of real disagreement on the dais about who should lead the department.
City Commission - Mar 30, 2026
Fargo named Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz as interim police chief while the search for a permanent chief moves forward. City Administrator Michael Redlinger updated the commission on the search process.
Zibolski faced multiple Performance Improvement Plans, received high praise while leading the Fargo Police Department - The Flag
Zibolski faced multiple Performance Improvement Plans, received high praise while leading the Fargo Police Department The Flag - AM 1100 and FM 92.3 WZFG
City Commission - Mar 16, 2026
City Administrator Redlinger walked the Commission through how the city will handle interim leadership and the timeline for hiring the next Chief of Police.
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