David Zibolski

Chief of Police

Chief David Zibolski was appointed as Fargo's Police Chief in October 2020. Zibolski previously served as the Chief of Police in Beloit, Wisconsin. During his tenure in Beloit, he led major organizational change within the department and its community that positively affected leadership and culture, strengthened community relations, and saw the integration of progressive technology and best practices, while making Beloit a safer city.

Zibolski began his career with the Milwaukee Police Department where he served 27 years, working his way up the ranks and retiring at the rank of captain in 2011. Zibolski 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.

Zibolski is a graduate of Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command #203, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police session #68, and is an International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) nationally certified Leadership in Police Organizations instructor. Zibolski holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College.

In 2020, Zibolski was appointed vice chair of IACP’s Midsize Agencies Division and also serves on several community boards.

Travis Stefonowicz

Assistant Chief

Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz has been employed with the Fargo Police Department since May of 2002. Prior to working for the Fargo Police Department, Stefonowicz worked as a police officer for the Aurora Police Department in Aurora Colorado. Stefonowicz also worked as a dispatcher for the Red River Regional Dispatch Center, where he was awarded a “stork pin” for helping a young couple deliver a baby over the phone as they were too far along to get to the hospital and they lived far enough away that the ambulance wasn’t going to arrive in time.

Stefonowicz was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February of 2009. He supervised patrol officers in the Field Services Division and was in charge of the Training Division where he created a new monthly training program for our patrol officers allowing them to train during their work shifts in shorter intervals.

Stefonowicz was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in September 2016 where he oversaw the Night Shift of the Field Services Division, and then the Administrative Services Division where he oversaw the operations including recruiting, hiring, training, evidence, facilities, equipment, police records, public information, grants and the department's budget.

Stefonowicz was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief on July 12, 2021. Stefonowicz serves as second in command and provides assistance to the Chief in development, administration, coordination and implementation of departmental policies, procedures and activities.

During his time at the Fargo Police Department, Stefonowicz has worked in various assignments. He has been a Police Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor and E.V.O.C. Instructor. He has served on the Chief’s Advisory Committee and the Chief’s Selection Committee in 2015. Stefonowicz served on the Red River Regional SWAT team for 9 years, and served as an Operator, Basic Training Instructor and a Team Leader during his service on the SWAT team.

Stefonowicz has served as a Physical Fitness and Response to Critical Incidents Instructor and a board member on the Advisory Committee for the Lake Region State College Police Basic Program. Stefonowicz implemented the department's
Fargo Police Academy enabling the department to efficiently hire and train new police officers.

Stefonowicz has been recognized as an employee who performed an act worthy of recognition; Top Gun during SWAT Basic Training; two Combat Cross award; Fargo Police Officer of the Year; North Dakota Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; the Service Award for service and dedication as a PTO and SWAT Team member in 2008, 2009 and 2013; the Chief’s Medal; and a letter of commendation for distinguishing himself with an act that exemplifies the goals, values and mission of the department. Stefonowicz was recognized as Supervisor of the Year for 2020.

Stefonowicz received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resources through Rasmussen College, and an associate of arts degree from North Dakota State College of Science. Stefonowicz is a graduate of the 277th class of the FBI National Academy.

Joseph Anderson

Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Joseph Anderson has been employed with the Fargo Police Department since January of 1997. Prior to working for the Fargo Police Department, Anderson worked as a Reserve Deputy for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for two years. Anderson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in October 2002. As a Sergeant, Anderson supervised Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Unit. He also served as the Office of Professional Affairs Supervisor. Anderson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in January 2011 and served as the District Commander of Field Services and the Traffic Safety Unit. Anderson was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in December 2014. Prior to the department restructure in 2021, Anderson has experience commanding the department's Field Services, Administrative Services, Investigative Division and Neighborhood Services Division. Anderson currently oversees the Professional Standards Division.

Deputy Chief Anderson received a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is a graduate of the 250th class of the FBI National Academy in 2012, and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. He earned the Franklin M. Kremmel Leadership Award at the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Anderson is additionally trained in Advance Crash Investigation and Reconstruction and Internal Affairs Investigation.

Anderson initiated the creation of the Fargo Police Department's Mentoring Program, selected the committee and provided guidance and vision to the implementation of this program. Anderson also redefined the roles and responsibilities of the Crime Analyst position and the weekly Intelligence Lead Policing meetings.

Anderson served in the North Dakota Air National Guard for 22 years. He enlisted as Security Forces for 12 years. He served as a Personnel Officer (ND JFHQ); the 119th Service Flight Commander; the 119th Force Support Squadron Operations Officer; and the 119th Security Forces Commander.

Chris Helmick

Captain

Captain Chris Helmick has been employed with the Fargo Police Department since December 2001. Helmick served as a Patrol Officer until 2009, with secondary duties as a Crime Scene Investigator, Bike Officer and Police Training Officer. He has been a Police Instructor since 2004. Helmick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2009 where he supervised patrol officers and was the PTO coordinator and Mobile Field Force Instructor. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in January 2016 and oversaw the PTO program, Crowd Management Team, Restructuring Committee, Evaluation Committee, iPhone implementation plan and initial FPD Airport operations. Helmick most recently oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division. Helmick was promoted to the rank of Captain in July 2021. Helmick oversees the operations of Neighborhood Services.

Helmick was instrumental in the administration of the Police Training Program since 2008 by overseeing and implementing several changes and improvements to the program.

Helmick has also been involved in the department’s Crowd Management Team, developing the Department’s response procedures to civil unrest since 2002.

Helmick has been awarded Supervisor of the Year in 2018, the Combat Cross award in 2004, the Distinguished Service award for PTO, the Emergency Service Unit Citation for participation in the 2009 flood and the 2016 DAPL protests, a Commendable Performance Certificate for apprehending a homicide suspect in 2004, and has received various Letters of Recognition.

Helmick received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University of Moorhead, and Law Enforcement training from the North Dakota State Law Enforcement Academy. Helmick attended the FBI LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute in 2013, the National Tactical Officers Association Supervising Critical Incidents, and Northwestern University’s Management of Police Personnel in 2015. Helmick has specialized training in Methods of Instruction, Police Problem Based Learning, E.V.O.C., and Field Force Command and Operation.

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 and Sergeant of the Office of Professional Standards. He was a member of the Police Training Officer Program for 11 years and was a firearms instructor for eight years.

Captain Ahlfeldt has been a member of the Fargo Police Department’s Peer Support Team for 19 years.

In 2003, Captain Ahlfeldt was selected to become a member of the Red River Valley SWAT Team. His passion and dedication for SWAT was evident, and after serving as an operator for six years, he was named a Team Leader in 2009. Captain Ahlfeldt was accepted the position of Red River Valley SWAT Team Commander in 2015, a role he served in until January 2023.

Captain Ahlfeldt earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Dakota State University in Political Science Degree and graduated from the Montana Highway Patrol Academy in 2001. In 2016, he was a member of Northwest School of Police Staff and Command Class 398.