Heith Janke was appointed and sworn in as the new West Fargo Police Department chief of police during the July 17, 2017, meeting of the West Fargo board of city commissioners.
Janke brings more than 15 years of professional experience, most recently as a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI. During the interview process, Janke received high marks for honesty, integrity and leadership skills, as well as decision making and vision for the future.
“I am honored to become the next chief of police in West Fargo and lead the great men and women of the department into the future,” said Janke.
Surrounded by his parents and family, Janke was sworn in by West Fargo Mayor Rich Mattern after the commission unanimously voted to appoint Janke.
“Heith’s 13 years of experience with the FBI and his leadership really stood out to me when we met,” said Mattern. “He has done his research on our city and knows what we need to do to build a great community.”
Janke was recommended for the position by city administrator Tina Fisk after reviewing 12 potential candidates. Fisk felt Janke was the best fit for the city and had the skills to help the police department develop under the pressure of protecting one of the fastest growing cities in the state of North Dakota.
Janke and his wife, Brenna, have two children. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University and holds a law degree from the University of North Dakota. During his collegiate career he earned multiple honors for academics and athletics and was a 2014 NDSU Bison Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. He has worked with the FBI in Kansas City, San Antonio, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Before joining the FBI Janke was an associate attorney in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Janke starts his new role this week. The chief of police is responsible for oversight of the department’s operation, budget, staff, development of policies and procedures, working with the community to improve safety and security. The chief of police is an appointed position and reports to city administrator Tina Fisk and the West Fargo City Commission.
