Fargo police chief steps down; commissioners question city admin communication

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Fargo city commissioners say they were not notified of the police chief’s retirement until hours after city administration and the mayor had already been informed.

Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack said administration and the mayor were informed of the retirement at 4 p.m., but commissioners were not notified until later that night.

“There was some confusion yesterday. My understanding, and I still haven’t seen the retirement letter itself, was that administration and the mayor knew at 4 — we didn’t know ‘til 10 last night,” Kolpack said. “In that time some of the information did get out publicly and you know we should have been informed so that none of us were surprised.”

Commissioner Michelle Turnberg said she first heard the news from a resident in another city, not from city administration.

“I was notified by a resident of another city at about 7 last night and when I did reach out I reached out immediately to the city administrator — a bit later the Mayor emailed me and said he had found out earlier,” Turnberg said. “Well, I should have known 4 hours and 55 minutes ago.

Turnberg said Chief Dave Zibolski’s retirement came as a surprise.

“I think it was very surprising — it was something that wasn’t on the radar,” Turnberg said. Turnberg also wished the chief her very best.

Before the press conference began, Kolpack released a statement addressing the breakdown in communication. In part, it read: “Transparency matters. When communication breaks down at City Hall, it creates uncertainty — for our officers, for city employees and for the community we serve.”

Despite her criticism of how the news was handled, Kolpack said the departing chief leaves the department in a strong position.

“He’s created an incredible leadership team that is ready to take over. I know that the wellness program was very important to him, community engagement has been strong and I wish him all the best in his retirement,” Kolpack said.

Chief Zibolski’s last day is March 27. The city said an interim police chief will be named on March 30.