Jill Schramm/MDN Minot’s new police chief, Michael Frye, right, is sworn in Monday by acting mayor Mark Jantzer in Minot City Hall as a number of police officers look in the background.

Minot’s new police chief, Michael Frye, indicated he’s ready to get to work following his swearing in before a packed city council chambers in City Hall Monday.

“Do we have a lot of work to do? Maybe. But there’s so many good people, and you see them standing behind me right now,” he said of numerous Minot Police officers who stood at his back.

He recognized Capt. Dale Plessas, who served as interim chief since September, and Capts. Justin Sundheim and Jason Sundbakken.

“I’m looking forward to serving with you and alongside you,” he told them.

He also thanked family, friends and the Minot community that put faith in him.

He said his focus will be on the patrol officers and how they serve the public. Frye encouraged the public to contact the department when needed because the response will be positive.

“We will be positive, and we will instill hope back into the community,” he said.

“I pray every day that the Lord gives me the guidance and the wisdom to lead this agency, and that’s the best I can do. With that said, it’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be overnight, but change will happen, and they’re going to help,” he said, acknowledging his police force.

Frye was sworn in by acting mayor Mark Jantzer, with the badge pinning conducted by his friend Richard Jackson with the Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department in Florida.

“The role of police chief carries great responsibility, leading with vision, integrity and steadfast commitment to the men and women of the Minot Police Department and the safety and wellbeing of our city,” Assistant City Manager Tom Joyce said. “Chief Frye brings a wealth of experience, dedication to service and a passion for people that we are confident will serve us well.”

Frye brings more than two decades of law enforcement and leadership experience to Minot. He retired as a lieutenant with the City of Minneapolis Police Department in 2024 and continued his commitment to public safety education and training at Bismarck State College. He holds a master’s degree in leadership homeland security and emergency management from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Concordia University-St. Paul.