David Zibolski

David brings more than four decades of law enforcement leadership, retiring in March 2026 after serving as Chief of Police in Fargo, North Dakota from 2020 to 2026. In that role, he led a department of 201 sworn officers and 31 civilian staff, managing a $35 million budget and serving a community of approximately 136,000 residents. 

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Prior to Fargo, he served as Chief of Police in Beloit, Wisconsin from 2015 to 2020. In both positions, he led significant organizational change, strengthened leadership and culture, improved community trust, reduced crime, and advanced the use of modern technology and best practices.

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He began his career with the Milwaukee Police Department, where he served for 27 years and rose to the rank of captain. His experience included patrol, investigations, and leadership of specialized units. Following his tenure in Milwaukee, he served as Deputy Administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement Services from 2011 to 2015, where he oversaw statewide operations including law enforcement training and standards, crime laboratory services, crime data systems, and justice statistics.

 

David is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command (Class #203), the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police (Session #68), and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (Class #82). He holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College.

 

He remains actively engaged in the profession through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he serves as Vice President at Large and previously chaired the Midsize Agencies Division. He has also served as President of the North Dakota Chiefs of Police Association and has contributed to several boards, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley and other criminal justice organizations.