Dave Zibolski Bio: Fargo Police Chief Age, Height, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth & Retirement
Dave Zibolski, also known as David Zibolski, is a retired American law enforcement officer who served as Chief of Police for the Fargo Police Department in North Dakota from October 2020 until his retirement on March 27, 2026. With over 41 years of experience, he previously led the Beloit, Wisconsin Police Department and held leadership roles in the Milwaukee Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Justice. Known for implementing technology like the Real Time Crime Center and focusing on community safety, Zibolski’s tenure in Fargo included a reported drop in crime but also faced controversies over officer retention and workplace culture.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | David B. Zibolski (Dave Zibolski) |
| Nick Name | Dave Zibolski |
| Profession | Retired Police Chief |
| Birth Date | November 24, 1965 |
| Age | 60 |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Chief of Police in Fargo, ND (2020–2026); long career in Milwaukee PD and Beloit PD; leadership in law enforcement technology and training |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height & Weight | Not publicly available |
| Hair Color | Graying / Brown |
| Eye Color | Not publicly specified |
| Qualification | Graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command; PERF Senior Management Institute for Police |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sue Zibolski |
| Children | Two adult daughters (one assistant district attorney in WI, one graphic designer in MN); son-in-laws; young grandchildren |
| Family | Wife Sue; two daughters and their families |
| Hobbies | Camping, outdoor activities, family time |
| Current Work | Retired (as of March 27, 2026) |
| Years Active | 1984–2026 (over 41 years in law enforcement) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (estimated in the range typical for long-serving police chiefs with pensions) |
Early Life & Education
David B. Zibolski was born on November 24, 1965. He began his law enforcement journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting as a police aide in 1984 with the Milwaukee Police Department before becoming a sworn officer in 1987. Details about his early childhood and formal education beyond police training are not widely publicized. He advanced through various ranks in Milwaukee, gaining experience in patrol, investigations, and specialty units.
Zibolski completed advanced leadership training, including graduation from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command (Session #203) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (Session #68). He is also a nationally certified Leadership in Police Organizations instructor through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Career Journey
Milwaukee Police Department (1984–2011)
Zibolski served 27 years with the Milwaukee Police Department, rising from police aide to the rank of Captain. He held leadership roles in patrol, criminal investigations, homicide, and professional performance units before retiring from the department in 2011.
Wisconsin Department of Justice (2011–2015)
From 2011 to 2015, he served as Deputy Administrator for the Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Law Enforcement Services. In this statewide role, he oversaw training and standards for law enforcement, crime lab operations, crime information systems, and justice statistics.
Beloit Police Chief (2015–2020)
In June 2015, Zibolski became Chief of Police in Beloit, Wisconsin. He focused on organizational change, improving leadership and culture, strengthening community relations, and integrating new technology and best practices to enhance public safety.
Fargo Police Chief (2020–2026)
On October 5, 2020, Zibolski was appointed Chief of the Fargo Police Department in North Dakota, leading a team of 192 sworn officers and 28 civilian staff with a $27 million budget serving a population of about 131,000. During his tenure, the department implemented a Real Time Crime Center using technology and data for faster response. Officials noted a reported 17% drop in overall crime. He also served on the IACP Midsize Agencies Division Executive Committee and was a candidate for IACP Vice President At Large.
Zibolski announced his retirement on March 11, 2026, with his last day on March 27, 2026, citing a desire to spend more time with family after more than 41 years in law enforcement.
Personal Life
Dave Zibolski is married to Sue Zibolski. The couple has two adult daughters and son-in-laws. One daughter works as an assistant district attorney in Wisconsin, while the other is a graphic designer in Minnesota. They also have young grandchildren. Zibolski has spoken about enjoying family time, camping, and outdoor activities with his wife and children. The family relocated to Fargo when he took the chief position and has expressed appreciation for the community.
Controversies
Zibolski’s time in Fargo included challenges. Investigations highlighted high officer turnover, with reports of 35–50 officers resigning in the early years, some citing a “toxic” or “dictatorship-like” work environment. He faced public calls for removal from city commissioners and was placed on performance improvement plans. Other issues included the unsolved homicide of Officer Jake Wallin in 2023 and criticism over the handling of cases, such as an AI-related misidentification in a bank fraud incident that led to the wrongful jailing of a suspect. Supporters praised his forward-thinking leadership and crime reduction efforts, while critics questioned department culture and communication.
Awards & Achievements
- Over 41 years of dedicated law enforcement service
- Leadership roles culminating in Captain (Milwaukee PD), Deputy Administrator (WI DOJ), and Chief in Beloit and Fargo
- Implementation of Real Time Crime Center in Fargo
- Active involvement in IACP, including Midsize Agencies Division and Leadership in Police Organizations instructor
- Focus on technology integration, training standards, and community relations throughout his career
Physical Statistics
- Height & Weight: Not publicly available
- Build: Typical for a long-serving law enforcement professional
Interesting Facts
- Zibolski started his career as a police aide in 1984 and served more than four decades before retiring in 2026 at age 60.
- He has been involved in statewide law enforcement training and standards in Wisconsin.
- Despite controversies, city officials highlighted crime reductions and technological advancements under his leadership in Fargo.
- He rushed home from out-of-state events to support his team during critical incidents, such as the 2023 officer shooting.
Did You Know Already?
Dave Zibolski retired after leading Fargo’s largest police department for over five years and expressed excitement about spending more time with his wife, adult daughters, and young grandchildren in retirement.
Social Media Links
- LinkedIn: Search for David Zibolski (associated with IACP and law enforcement)
- Official updates via City of Fargo and Fargo Police Department channels
- IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) profiles for professional information
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dave Zibolski in 2026?
He is 60 years old (born November 24, 1965).
When did Dave Zibolski retire as Fargo Police Chief?
His last day was March 27, 2026, after announcing retirement on March 11, 2026.
Who is Dave Zibolski’s wife?
Sue Zibolski. The couple has two adult daughters and enjoys family time together.
What was Dave Zibolski known for in Fargo?
He implemented the Real Time Crime Center, focused on technology and data-driven policing, and oversaw a reported reduction in crime during his five-and-a-half-year tenure.
Did Dave Zibolski face controversies as chief?
Yes, his tenure included reports of high officer turnover, allegations of a challenging work environment, and criticism over specific case handling, though he also received praise for leadership initiatives.
Conclusion
Dave Zibolski’s law enforcement career spanned more than four decades, from patrol officer in Milwaukee to chief in two cities, culminating in leadership of the Fargo Police Department. At 60, he retired in March 2026 to focus on family after implementing changes aimed at modernizing policing and improving safety. His story reflects the challenges and rewards of public service in law enforcement leadership.
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