The Fargo Police Department (FPD) recently completed its promotion and appointment process for the positions of Assistant Chief and Captains to finalize the formation of the new FPD Executive Staff Team. After an intensive interview process involving both internal and external evaluators, the following appointments have been made by Chief David Zibolski.
Assistant Chief | Travis Stefonowicz
Travis Stefonowicz, currently a lieutenant, has been selected for the FPD’s newly-created Assistant Chief position. Stefonowicz has served the Fargo community as a sworn officer for 19 years and currently oversees the Training and Development Unit. He was employed at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center before joining FPD. Stefonowicz is a graduate of the 277th class of the FBI National Academy.
Neighborhood Services Division | Joe Anderson, Deputy Chief
Joe Anderson will continue his role as the Deputy Chief in the Neighborhood Services Division. Anderson joined the FPD team in January of 1997 and is a graduate of the 250th class of the FBI National Academy. He recently led the committee to research and implement body-worn cameras at FPD. Prior to serving The City of Fargo, Anderson worked for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for two years.
Criminal Investigations Division | Chris Helmick, Captain
Chris Helmick has been selected as the Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. Helmick is currently acting as Interim Captain and manages the Investigations Division. Helmick first joined the department as a sworn officer in 2002. He has been vital in the administration of the police training program for more than a decade by overseeing and implementing several changes.
Professional Standards Division | George Vinson, Captain
George Vinson has been selected as the department’s Captain of the Professional Standards Division. Vinson has been a member of the FPD for 17 years and currently oversees the Professional Accountability Unit as a Lieutenant. Prior to being promoted to his current position, Vinson served as a patrol officer, K9 handler and School Resource Officer Lead, among other roles.
“Collectively as the Executive Team at the Fargo Police Department, we look forward to excellence in community policing, partnerships and collaborations with our residents, businesses and visitors. I’m truly excited about the future and look forward to our new Executive Team members helping to foster and guide the next generation of leaders in their growth paths at the FPD,” remarked Chief Zibolski.
Brief interviews were conducted with each of the Executive Team members immediately after the selection process was concluded. Collectively, these interviews are available for media usage.
A promotions ceremony will be held on Monday, July 12 at 11 a.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers (225 4th Street North).