Fargo Police Chief Zabolski to Retire; Assistant Chief Recommended as Interim

FARGO — Fargo Police Chief Zabolski submitted a resignation letter late last night and will retire at the end of the month, city officials said at a press event, where colleagues praised his five-and-a-half years of service and outlined next steps for leadership.

Mayor Mahoney and city staff credited Zabolski with modernizing the department, citing two consecutive years of declining crime and expanded wellness efforts for officers. Mike Binger, speaking for the administration, thanked Zabolski "for his nearly 5 and a half years of dedicated service to the Fargo Police Department," and said the department is "in very, very good hands."

The departure was framed as a personal decision. Chief Zabolski said the timing reflected family considerations: "This has been a family discussion for some time," he said, adding that an upcoming anniversary and a wish to spend more time with grandchildren contributed to his choice to retire.

Officials said the city will move quickly to ensure continuity. The chief said he recommended Assistant Chief Javvisowitz to serve in an interim capacity and called that person prepared to lead: "I have complete confidence in my assistant chief Javvisowitz to take the helm in my absence in that interim position," Zabolski said. City staff said they expect to name an interim or acting police chief on Monday, March 30, and that a longer process to select a permanent chief will involve incoming commissioners after the election.

Reporters pressed officials about the timing and communication of the announcement after Deputy Mayor Colac released a statement expressing disappointment in how the information reached the public. An administration official said the department had an embargo to allow the retiring chief to speak privately to shift commanders first but that the information circulated sooner than planned; the official said respecting a retiree's request to tell staff before a public announcement is common practice.

The press event also drew questions about separate, ongoing matters. When asked why no one from the Fargo Police Department had interviewed Angela Lips during five months she was jailed, the chief declined to comment, saying the matter is an ongoing investigation: "Just for the press, that's an ongoing investigation," he said.

Zabolski used the event to thank the community and the department and to reflect on the tenure's difficult moments, including the death of Officer Jake Wolen, which he called "the most difficult" experience. He also described pride in building a leadership bench and in department programs such as officer wellness and technology upgrades.

The city commission will formally consider an interim appointment and a process for the permanent replacement. Officials said they will provide more details on timelines and candidate selection in the coming weeks.

The press event ended with applause and the chief's closing thanks to Fargo residents and a reference to a personal "eagle" story he said symbolized the department's readiness to move forward.