Fargo Police

Earlier this morning, Chief Travis Stefonowicz was officially sworn in as the 39th Chief of Police of the #FargoPD. During today’s ceremony, a video played featuring voices from across our community sharing what kind of leader and person Chief Stefonowicz is and what Fargo is gaining in its next Chief of Police. Told through the words of his peers and his family, it painted a clear picture of Chief Stefonowicz's character, leadership and service. Fargo Police Department captains Matt Christensen, Troy Hannig and Travis Moser, along with our metro partners including @CassNDSheriff Jesse Jahner, Chief Pete Nielsen of the @WestFargoPolice and Chief Chris Helmick of the Moorhead Police Department, spoke to his steady leadership, commitment to collaboration, trust and relationships he's built across agencies and within the FPD. His wife Emily also shared heartfelt reflections that highlighted Cheif Stefonowicz's humility, balance and strong family foundation that shape who he is beyond the badge. Together, all their words spoke to a leader defined not by titles, but by integrity, consistency and a genuine commitment to people. Chief Stefonowicz began his career with The Fargo Police Department after graduating from the academy and has worked his way through the ranks serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and now Chief of Police. We are proud of his journey, proud of his leadership and proud to have him as our next Chief of Police in Fargo.

Today was a historic day for the #FargoPD as we gathered for our Academy Graduation, Swear-In and Promotion Ceremony. Seven recruits from the FPD Academy Class IX officially graduated this morning after completing 18 weeks of rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on skills training and high-pressure scenario-based exercises to earn their ND POST certification. In front of family, friends, fellow officers and community members, they took their oath to serve as guardians for the Fargo community as the newest members of The Fargo Police Department. Their journey is only beginning. These new officers will now enter the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, where they’ll spend the next 16 weeks working side-by-side with experienced Fargo officers to continue developing the skills, confidence and decision-making needed for the job. Today’s ceremony also marked a defining moment in our department history as Travis Stefonowicz was officially sworn in as The Fargo Police Department’s 39th Chief of Police. From new officers beginning their careers to a leader stepping into a new role, today represented the future of The Fargo Police Department and the continued commitment to serving our community with professionalism, respect and accountability. Congratulations to Academy Class IX and Chief Stefonowicz on this incredible milestone in your careers.

This #MemorialDay, we pause to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As we gather with family and friends, we also remember the tremendous sacrifice made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. The #FargoPD stands alongside all those carrying the memory of a fallen hero.

The #FargoPD lobby will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Regular lobby hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

🏃‍♀️🏃 It’s that time of year again…Fargo Marathon weekend is almost here. As thousands of runners and spectators make their way through Fargo next weekend, motorists and residents of Fargo should plan ahead for increased traffic and temporary road closures throughout the community. 📍 Friday, May 29: • 5K (6 p.m. start) 📍 Saturday, May 30: • 10K (7:40 a.m. start) • Half Marathon (7:15 a.m. start) • Full Marathon (7 a.m. start) 🚧 Route maps and road closure information, including closure and re-opening times beginning as early as 3 a.m. next Saturday, May 30, are included in this post. Please give yourself extra travel time, use alternate routes and watch for runners, volunteers and public safety personnel along the course. Good luck to all participants and thank you for your patience as we help support another exciting Fargo Marathon next weekend.

Memorial Day weekend traffic safety reminders, but make it Millennial vs Gen Z 🚗 However you’d write it, we’re all saying the same thing: buckle up, stay focused, drive sober and slow down. In partnership with @VisionZeroND, drive smart this weekend. Lets get everyone to their destinations safely this Memorial Day weekend.

Just after midnight on Friday, May 1, FPD officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle with the owner’s dog, Shadow, still inside. Officers were able to quickly locate the vehicle on the roadway and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled the stop before later abandoning the vehicle with the dog still inside. FPD night shift continued the search throughout the area and ultimately located the vehicle and Shadow later that night after an extensive search effort. While no arrests have been made in connection to this incident, the officers were able to recover the stolen vehicle and safely reunite Shadow with his owner. This story is another example the hard work that often goes unseen that our officers are doing every day help bring a positive outcome for the Fargo community.

This National EMS Week, we proudly recognize the EMS professionals who serve our community with compassion, skill and unwavering dedication. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects the vital partnership between EMS, law enforcement, fire personnel, hospital staff and the communities we serve. We can’t do what we do without them. Every day, EMS professionals respond in moments of uncertainty and crisis, providing lifesaving care, comfort and hope when it matters most. Their work changes lives, supports families and makes a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and commitment to improving outcomes together. 💙🚑

While much of Fargo was asleep last night, #FargoPD officers were actively patrolling neighborhoods and following up on leads related to a juvenile suspect in a string of recent burglary activity. On Friday, May 15, at approximately 12:18 a.m., officers conducting routine patrol while searching for a juvenile burglary suspect discovered an open garage in the 1800 block of 18th St. S. Tire marks leading away from the garage immediately raised concern for the officers. After contacting the homeowners, officers learned a burglary had occurred and a vehicle had been stolen from the property. Just 18 minutes later, at approximately 12:36 a.m., officers located the stolen vehicle near the intersection of 23rd St. S. and 13th Ave. S. and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, and due to the dangerous driving behavior displayed by the suspect, officers made the decision not to pursue in the interest of public safety. Instead, officers continued monitoring the vehicle from a distance while coordinating with one another and maintaining awareness of the suspect’s movements. A few blocks later, the stolen vehicle abruptly stopped in the 600 block of 23rd St. S., where the juvenile driver fled on foot. Rather than ending there, officers continued their search and follow-up efforts throughout the early morning hours in search of the suspect. At approximately 3:42 a.m., officers located the juvenile suspect at their residence, where they were taken into custody and transported to juvenile detention on charges of Felony Criminal Trespass, Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Refusal to Halt. The stolen vehicle was also recovered and returned to its rightful owner. This incident is just one example of the work being done by Fargo Police officers every day and night, often without public recognition. From proactive patrol and investigative follow-up to making difficult decisions that prioritize public safety, our officers remain committed to being the guardians of our community through professionalism, teamwork and persistence.

It is not how these #FargoPD officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived. Officer Frederick Alderman: EOW 07.05.1882 💙 Officer Jason Moszer: EOW 02.11.2016 💙 Officer Jake Wallin: EOW 07.14.2023 💙 Never Forgotten. Cherished Forever. National Peace Officer Memorial Day. 🕯🕯🕯

The #FargoPD lobby at FPD headquarters is closing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, May 15. This temporary closure accommodates time for FPD staff to attend the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at Lindenwood Park for Peace Officer Memorial Day.

This week is National Police Week, and we pause to honor the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and our nation. This week, thanks to the Fargo Police Foundation, three #FargoPD officers and one civilian staff member are in Washington, D.C., representing The Fargo Police Department and paying tribute to our fallen heroes: Officer Frederick Alderman 🕯, Officer Jason Moszer 🕯 and Officer Jake Wallin 🕯. As thousands gathered last night for the Candlelight Vigil, our Fargo Police Department representatives stood among agencies from across the country to remember the lives lost in the line of duty. Their presence serves as a powerful reminder that the sacrifice of our fallen officers will never be forgotten and that their legacy continues to live on through those who proudly serve today. 💙💙💙

Saddle up and join us in wishing a rootin’-tootin’ happy 8th birthday to #FargoPD K-9 Toby! 🤠🎉 This trusty crime-fightin’ K-9 is specially trained in explosives detection and plays an important role in helping keep our community safe. Today, he’s celebrating western-style with special treats, plenty of attention and a birthday fit for a top dog. A big thank you to Prairie Pup Bakery for generously making and donating Toby’s paw-some birthday goodies! 🐾🎂 Help us make Toby's big day extra special by dropping a birthday message for him in the comments! 🐶⭐

Congratulations to #FargoPD Officer Josh Marlow of our Traffic Safety Team on being named North Dakota’s Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) of the Year at the @VisionZeroND Partner Conference in Bismarck yesterday, Monday, May 11! 👏 This statewide honor recognizes Officer Marlow’s outstanding commitment to traffic safety, his expertise in identifying drug-impaired drivers and his dedication to reducing serious injuries and fatalities on North Dakota roads. Through specialized training, professionalism and his work on the Traffic Safety Team, Officer Marlow continues to make a meaningful impact in on the safety of Fargo's streets every day. Congratulations, Officer Marlow, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your continued work to help keep our roads safe.

Please join us in congratulating Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz on being selected as the 39th Chief of Police for the Fargo Police Department in a unanimous decision by the Fargo City Commission tonight. With 25 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Stefonowicz has dedicated the majority of his career to serving the Fargo community. Since joining #FargoPD in 2002, he has risen through the ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Interim Chief, bringing steady leadership, deep operational experience and a strong commitment to officer wellness, community safety and public trust. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and Senior Management Institute for Police, Chief Stefonowicz’s service, leadership and dedication have been recognized at the local, state and national levels throughout his career. We look forward to the future of the Fargo Police Department under Chief Stefonowicz’s leadership as he continues to support our officers, strengthen community relationships and uphold the high standard of safety and service Fargo deserves. Congratulations, Chief Stefonowicz!

Moms always seem to know best, so we asked our #FargoPD officers to share the best advice their moms ever gave them to help celebrate this special day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, mother figures and caregivers who guide us, support us and help shape who we are every day. Thank you for all you do!

The #FargoPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two possible suspects connected to multiple burglary and theft cases reported throughout Fargo during the month of April.   The individual labeled Suspect 1 was observed entering underground parking garages and apartment buildings and stealing packages from entryways and items from victim vehicles.   The individual labeled Suspect 2 is believed to be a possible second suspect involved in at least one of these incidents.   Anyone with information about the identity of the individuals pictured is encouraged to contact The Fargo Police Department at 701.241.5777. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting keyword FARGOPD and the tip to 847411.

Earlier this week, our #FargoPD officers had a great time joining students at both Kennedy and Eagles Elementary Schools for Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day! 🚶🚴🛼 At both schools, officers handed out stickers and rewarded students wearing their helmets with $10 arcade passes to Kingpinz, with our partners at the North Dakota Highway Patrol joining us at Kennedy to help celebrate safe habits. We’ll be on the lookout all summer long for more young riders practicing bike safety and wearing their helmets. Thank you to @FargoNDSchools for the invitation and for helping make safe, active travel to school such a fun way to start the day!

@FargoFireDept ‼️UPDATE‼️ As of 2:50 p.m., Main Avenue has been re-opened to traffic.

Motorists are asked to avoid the 1300 block of Main Avenue as @FargoFireDept firefighters respond to a structure fire. Main Avenue between 15th Street South and University Drive South is temporarily closed in both directions until further notice. No additional information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.