A North Dakota Highway Patrol major from Bismarck will be the new Patrol superintendent.
Major Michael Gerhart will replace Colonel James Prochniak, who is retiring after 27 years with the Patrol – the last five as superintendent. Gerhart has been with the Patrol since 1992. He’s currently the Patrol’s field operations commander.
"Every day, we in law enforcement face different challenges," Gerhart told Bismarck reporters. "My focus is to make sure we are able to continue to hire quality people, and get them the training necessary to serve the communities they're asssigned. And also working with our counterparts across the state in law enforcement, as well as traffic safety professionals, focusing on enforcement, education efforts and enhanced traffic safety."
For Col. Prochniak, after 27 years with the North Dakota Highway Patrol, he's calling it a career. Prochniak has been the patrol superintendent for the past five years. He started with the Patrol in 1987.
His advice for his successor?
"He has an outstanding administration to work with," said Prochniak. "They are very supportive of public safety. Make sure you let that administration know the successes and the challenges. Keep an open line of communication. And share with them how you're going about your business."
Prochniak says he has had a temporary residence in Bismarck – and he looks forward to be moving back home to West Fargo. And after that, he says he’s looking at a number of different opportunities.
Gerhart will be promoted to the rank of colonel -- and takes over the superintendent's job -- July first.