Fargo swears in Travis Stefanowitz as police chief and celebrates seven academy graduates

Travis Stefanowitz was sworn in as the 39th chief of the Fargo Police Department at a public ceremony where officials also celebrated seven graduates of Class 9 of the Fargo Police Academy.

Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney, speaking at the ceremony, said the badge “represents more than authority. It represents trust, accountability, and your commitment to serve this community.” He congratulated both the new chief and the academy graduates and urged the community to support them.

Chief Stefanowitz, after being introduced, said, “I’m Travis Stefanowitz, your new police chief. Being the next police chief is truly an honor,” and thanked elected officials, department staff and community partners for their support.

Ethan Brown, the class speaker, described the recruits’ training experiences — from defensive tactics and canine work to OC spray and EVOC driving — and pledged the class would uphold the academy’s stated core values. “We will strive to do so in a way that follows the core values of the Fargo Police Department,” Brown said, referencing the department’s values listed during remarks.

Department leaders presented several awards and recognitions during the ceremony. The transcript names Cassidy (listed variously in the record as “Cassidy Somm”/“Cassidy Summer”) as the valedictorian; the Top Gun award was presented to Chandler Kirkmeyer; and additional awards including Top Gear and the MPAT award were announced and presented by department staff. Family members took part in the pinning: recruits were pinned by parents, spouses and other relatives in a formal badge presentation.

Captain Matt Christensen administered the Oath of Honor; recruits and Chief Stefanowitz repeated the oath pledging to “never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust,” and to treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Officials closed the ceremony by inviting attendees to a reception line and photographs.

The ceremony included an invocation by Chaplain Sarah Sebold and remarks from Lieutenant Janelle Krabnoft and Captain Troy Hanig, who framed the academy’s work as an 18‑week training cycle that tests recruits mentally, physically and emotionally and that aims to prepare officers to serve the Fargo community with professionalism.

Graduates listed in the transcript are: Ethan Brown, Chandler Etram, Evelyn Gorder, Chandler Kirkmeyer, Evan Moore, Ethan Quinlan and Cassidy Sommer. The department invited attendees to form a reception line to congratulate the new chief and graduates and said photos would be taken following the event.