David Zibolski
Chief of Police
David Zibolski was appointed Police Chief in Fargo on October 5, 2020 and proudly leads the dedicated FPD team, a department of 192 sworn and 28 civilian staff funded by a $27 million budget that serves a population of 131,000. Prior to this appointment, Zibolski served as the Chief of Police in Beloit, Wisconsin, from 2015 until 2020. Zibolski not only oversaw but helped lead a major organizational change within the department that positively affected leadership and culture, strengthened community relations and saw the integration of progressive technology and best practices making Beloit a safer city. Zibolski began his career with the Milwaukee Police Department where he served 27 years, working his way up and retiring at the rank of captain in 2011. During that time, he held a variety of patrol, investigative and specialty unit commands. As Deputy Administrator for Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Law Enforcement Services (2011-2015), Zibolski had operational responsibility of a statewide division that included training and standards for law enforcement, crime lab operations, crime information data, and justice statistics. Zibolski is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) #203 and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session #68. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. In 2023, Chief Zibolski was appointed General Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Midsize Agencies Division and serves on the IACP Executive Board of Directors. He is the Third Vice President for the Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota, and serves on other community and criminal justice related boards.
Travis Stefonowicz
Assistant Chief
Travis 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. Throughout his tenure, Travis has held various roles, including Sergeant, Lieutenant and Assistant Chief as of July 2021. As Assistant Chief, Stefonowicz plays a pivotal role in providing leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight within the FPD. In close collaboration with the Chief of Police, he contributes to the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to enhance public safety and community engagement. Stefonowicz oversees several critical aspects of FPD operations, including resource allocation, personnel management, training initiatives and the execution of community-oriented policing programs. His dynamic leadership ensures the effective execution of the department's mission while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability and excellence. Stefonowicz has spearheaded many initiatives, including wellness programming for all employees and the implementation of the first ever Fargo Police Academy for efficient hiring and training processes. Assistant Chief Stefonowicz has been actively involved in training and served on the Red River Regional SWAT team for nine years, contributing as an Operator, Basic Training Instructor and Team Leader. His dedication and expertise have earned him numerous awards, including Fargo Police Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and North Dakota Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. His commitment to professionalism and service to the community exemplify the values of The Fargo Police Department. Stefonowicz 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 Travis to the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
Chris Helmick
Captain
Captain Chris Helmick began his career with The Fargo Police Department in December 2001. Helmick served as a Patrol Officer until 2009, with experience as a Crime Scene Investigator, Police Training Officer and instructor. Helmick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2009 and then to the rank of Lieutenant in January 2016. During his tenure, Captain Helmick has led the department’s PTO program, Crowd Management Team and Criminal Investigations Division. Helmick was promoted to the rank of Captain in July 2021 and currently oversees the Neighborhood Services Division. Helmick was awarded Supervisor of the Year in 2018, the Distinguished Service Award for his involvement with the PTO program, Emergency Service Unit Citation for participation in the 2009 flood, 2016 DAPL protests, and 2020 riot and the Combat Cross in 2004. Captain Helmick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University of Moorhead and received Law Enforcement training from the North Dakota State Law Enforcement Academy. In 2023, Helmick graduated from the FBI National Academy class 285. Helmick also attended IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations in 2018, Northwestern University’s Management of Police Personnel in 2015 and the FBI LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute in 2013.
William Ahlfeldt
Captain
Captain William Ahlfeldt began his career with The Fargo Police Department in 2001, and has served in various roles, including Patrol Officer, Police Training Officer, Personal and Property Crimes Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant of the Office of Professional Standards, Patrol Lieutenant and Specialized Services Lieutenant. Captain Ahlfeldt currently oversees the Criminal Investigations Division. Ahlfeldt was a member of the Police Training Officer Program for 11 years, to include being a member of the program’s Board of Evaluators. He was a firearms instructor for eight years. Ahlfeldt has been a member of the Peer Support Team for 20 years and is the team’s current administrator. In 2003, Ahlfeldt was selected to become a member of the Red River Valley SWAT Team. After serving as an entry operator for six years, he was named a Team Leader in 2009. Ahlfeldt accepted the position of Red River Valley SWAT Team Commander in 2015, a role he served in until January 2023. Ahlfeldt has been awarded the department’s life-saving award in 2007 and 2014, the department’s Police Officer Service Award in 2009, 2014 and 2019 for his service on SWAT, the department’s Police Officer Service Award in 2009 and 2014 for his service in the police training officer program, the department’s Emergency Unit Citation in 2009, 2017 and 2021 for participation in the department’s 2009 flood response, for participation in the state response to the DAPL protests and for participation in the department’s response to the 2020 downtown riots. Ahlfeldt Received the Special Operations Training Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Ahlfeldt has received multiple letters of commendation and recognition throughout his career. Ahlfeldt earned an associate in arts degree from the University of North Dakota – Williston and a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Dakota State University in Political Science. In 2001 Ahlfeldt graduated from the Montana Highway Patrol Academy. Ahlfeldt has attended the National Tactical Officer’s Association (NTOA) SWAT team leader course in 2010, the FBI LEEDA Command Institute for Leadership executives in 2012, the FBI LEEDA Executive Leadership course in 2013, NTOA’s Advanced SWAT tactics course in 2014, NTOA’s Training, Management, and Risk Mitigation for SWAT in 2015, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command Class 398 in 2016, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations course in 2018.
Matthew Christensen
Captain
Captain Matt Christensen began his law enforcement career in his hometown when he joined The Fargo Police Department in December 2002. Over the years, he has held various roles, including patrol officer, training officer, narcotics investigator, DEA Task Force Officer, firearms instructor, patrol sergeant, narcotics sergeant, patrol lieutenant and special operations lieutenant. Currently, Captain Christensen leads the Neighborhood Services Division, which oversees all patrol staff and the specialized services unit. He has been an active member of the Red River Valley SWAT Team since 2010, progressing from entry operator to his current role as Team Commander, where he oversees all SWAT elements, including the tactical team, crisis negotiations team and the bomb squad. In 2016, Captain Christensen was recognized as The Fargo Police Department Supervisor of the Year. His career is marked by numerous accolades, including a Combat Action Award, Distinguished Service Award and Unit Citations for his contributions during the 2009 flood response and 2016 DAPL protests. Captain Christensen has completed various leadership training programs, including the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Team Leader course, the NTOA SWAT Command course and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations course. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, cheering for the Raiders and indulging in his passion for all things Superman.
