Steven Gutknecht

WILLISTON – Steven Gutknecht, a Minot native, has been named Williston’s new chief of police, the City of Williston announced Thursday following a special city commission meeting.

Gutknecht had been serving as interim chief since December. Former chief David Peterson had been on leave and stepped down in May.

“I wanted to move quickly to make sure that the public received the assurance that their police department was dedicated as always to providing for their safety,” Mayor Howard Klug said in the announcement.

Gutknecht brings more than three decades of service and leadership in law enforcement to his new role, according to City of Williston information. He began his career in law enforcement in 1993, initially serving on a drug task force and developing a strong foundation in criminal investigations and narcotics enforcement. He moved to Williston in 1996 and quickly became a respected figure in the region’s law enforcement and public safety community.

Gutknecht spent 20 years with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), where he rose through the ranks to the position of supervisory special agent. In 2019, he joined the Williston Police Department as Investigations captain.

“Since stepping into the role of interim police chief in December 2024, Steve Gutknecht has provided steady and effective leadership during a pivotal time for our department,” Williston City Administrator Shawn Wenko said in the announcement. “His experience and commitment to public safety have been evident throughout his tenure. I am confident that under his continued guidance, the Williston Police Department will thrive, and our community will benefit from his dedication to excellence in service.”

Gutknecht served as president of the North Dakota Police Officers Association and continues to serve on its executive board. He also led the association’s Working Committee on Drugs and Gangs, contributing to statewide initiatives on crime prevention and enforcement strategies. Additionally, he has served on the North Dakota Polygraph Executive Board.

He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

Outside of law enforcement, Gutknecht served for several years as chief of the Epping Fire Department, has been an active member of his church council and is an avid hunter and fisherman.