Fargo commission unanimously appoints Travis Stefanowicz as police chief

The Fargo City Commission voted unanimously on May 11, 2026, to appoint Travis Stefanowicz as police chief following a unanimous recommendation from the selection committee and a May 6 in-person interview with the sole finalist.

Selection committee liaison Michael Reddingler told the commission the vacancy was advertised internally and externally and the committee interviewed a sole finalist after the April 28 closing date. "I'm very pleased to advance the unanimous recommendation of the selection committee and their recommendation to appoint the interim chief," Reddingler said, adding that the committee met captains and lieutenants and that the interview included a candidate presentation and a conventional question-and-answer session that is available on the city's YouTube channel.

The condensed nature of the search drew a question from Commissioner Pepcorn about public input. Reddingler acknowledged the schedule was compressed and said, "it was a very condensed process...we did the best we could with the time we had." The commission nevertheless moved and approved the appointment by roll-call vote.

Commissioners praised Stefanowicz's local ties and long service. Commissioner Christopher Strand noted that police chiefs nationally often serve three to five years but said Stefanowicz indicated a commitment for "20 more years," and commissioners congratulated him for his 25 years of service. The motion carried with the roll-call votes recorded in favor (Strand: yes; Turnberg: yes; Kolpak: aye; Pepcorn: aye; Mahoney: aye).

Reddingler said the city intends to swear in the new chief during the police academy graduation planned for May 27. The selection packet lists the selection committee and includes feedback sources from department leadership and HR; Reddingler encouraged interested members of the public to view the interview on the city's YouTube channel.

The appointment is an administrative personnel action by the commission; no ordinance or statute was cited during the discussion. The commission recorded no dissenting votes and set the swearing-in to coincide with the academy graduation.