The head of the North Dakota National Guard is retiring.
And his second in command will replace him.
Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk is retiring at the end of the year. He served 9 years as the adjutant general. He worked in state government for 43 years – with the state Water Commission and the Department of Transportation, and finally the National Guard. As adjutant general, Sprynczynatyk also headed the state’s Department of Emergency Services.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple says Sprynczynatyk has done an outstanding job.
"His vision and leadership will have a lasting impact on the people of North Dakota," said Dalrymple. "A true leader, but in my mind, more than anything, the greatest example of real professionalism in public service that I think I've ever seen."
Sprynczynatyk says he plans to spend more time with his family. And he’s grateful to the people of North Dakota for their support of the Guard.
"I leave state government knowing there are great challenges ahead," Sprynczynatyk said. "But I also know we have dedicated and amazingly talented people working to embrace North Dakota's future."
Brigadier General Alan Dohrmann – the deputy adjutant general – will become the Guard’s commander. He’s been in the Guard since 1990. And he paid tribute to the people in the Guard and at DES.
"I've been in a number of good organizations, and I have been in some great organizations," said Dohrmann. "The National Guard and the DES are great organizations, with dedicated employees. You give them the resources, you give them the training, and you point them in the right direction, and just step back and watch them exceed expectations."
A change of command ceremony will be held in Bismarck December 13th.
