Two Local Officers in Running to Become The Next Moorhead Police Chief

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — The search for Moorhead’s next police chief is down to four finalists.

They include Moorhead Patrol Lt. John Laddie Bata, Metro Transit Police Capt. Erin Dietz of Minneapolis, Fargo Police Capt. Chris Helmick and Aurora, Colorado Police Commander Matthew Brukbacher.

On-site interviews are scheduled for next week.

The next chief is expected to be named in March.

Current Chief Shannon Monroe is retiring after thirty years of service to Moorhead.

Bios are listed below:

John Laddie Bata is an experienced professional with 24 years of law enforcement and military leadership. He began in public service in 2001 and has since worked in the US Army, Minnesota Army National Guard, City of Owatonna, and most recently as Patrol Lieutenant for the City of Moorhead.  He holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Public Administration from Minnesota State University.

Erin Dietz began her public service career with the ND Air National Guard. Since then, she has worked her way through the ranks in law enforcement. She ended her service with the Air Guard as a Staff Sergeant. She has served as a Detention Officer with Burleigh County, ND and a Police Officer with the City of Bismarck, ND. She currently works as a Captain of the Support Service Division for the Metro Transit Police Department in Minneapolis. She holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Minot State University as well as a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership from Concordia University.

Chris Helmick has served in law enforcement with the City of Fargo since 2001. He holds the rank of Captain and has been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, Neighborhood Services Division as well as the Professional Standards Division where he serves currently. Additionally, he has served as Lieutenant, for the Criminal Investigations Division and Neighborhood Services Division. He holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Matthew Brukbacher is currently a Commander leading the Special Operations Bureau with the City of Aurora, CO Police Department where he’s worked since 2023. He began his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the City of Aurora in 2000 and has since served as a Patrol and Special Assignment Sergeant, Emergency Response Team Deputy- Commander, Emergency Response Team Special Operations Lieutenant and a District Commander. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice- Law Enforcement from Winona State University.