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Williston commissioners appoint Captain Steven Gutknecht as police chief
Summary
The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted unanimously June 5 to appoint Captain Steven Gutknecht as permanent chief of police; the appointment follows an interim period and includes a one-year probationary period under Ordinance 1108.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted 4-0 on June 5 to appoint Captain Steven Gutknecht as the city’s permanent chief of police.
Commissioner James Bervig recommended the appointment, calling it “a historic day for the city of Williston,” and noting Gutknecht’s more than 30 years in law enforcement and 27 years living in Williston. Bervig said the recommendation followed months of interim leadership after the former chief stepped down and cited Gutknecht’s steady leadership through “a complex and sensitive internal investigation.”
The appointment was made in accordance with Ordinance 1108 and includes a one-year probationary period, as is standard for city employees. The motion to appoint Gutknecht was moved by Commissioner James Bervig and seconded by Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl; the vote was AYE: Victoria Siemieniewski, James Bervig, Brad Bekkedahl and Howard Klug, carrying 4-0.
Bervig outlined Gutknecht’s background to commissioners: Gutknecht joined the Williston Police Department at an administrative level overseeing the detective division after a career that included work as a narcotics agent with the Northwest Narcotics Task Force and service as a supervisory agent for the North Dakota Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Accepting the appointment, Chief Steven Gutknecht thanked the commission, his family, and colleagues. “Thank you, Commissioners, for having faith in me to take over at the helm of the Williston Police Department,” he said, and pledged to provide department staff with necessary resources and to meet with divisions and shifts in the near future.
Mayor Howard Klug, speaking as board president, offered congratulations and said the commission would “do whatever in our power to make sure you have the proper tools to do your job in keeping the city and surrounding areas safe,” adding, “we have the utmost confidence in you and our police force.”
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 12:07 p.m., which passed by unanimous voice vote.
