A ceremony that celebrates commitment and service

Applause filled the room as five names were called and new badges were pinned at a Bismarck Police Department ceremony recognizing leadership and steady service to the community. The promotions, announced by the department, marked a step forward for the agency’s field operations and supervision across shifts.

“These promotions represent dedication, leadership and the strength of our organization,” Chief Stugelmeyer said, adding that “each individual earned their new rank through hard work and commitment to our mission and values,” according to a department announcement shared with Bismarck Local and the Bismarck Police Department.

The department elevated Roger Marks to Deputy Chief of Field Services; Jeremy Curtis and Brandon Rosen to Lieutenant; and Jeremy Seeklander and Klaes “Sheldon” Welch to Sergeant. According to the agency, the moves recognize professionalism and position the department to better serve residents citywide.

New roles and responsibilities across the department

Deputy Chief Roger Marks was promoted from Lieutenant to lead Field Services, the division that oversees Patrol, Investigations, and Traffic. In that role, Marks will coordinate day-to-day response, casework, and traffic safety operations, according to the department.

Lieutenants Jeremy Curtis and Brandon Rosen, both promoted from Sergeant, will command patrol shifts. Shift commanders typically manage staffing and training, oversee critical incidents, and serve as a key point of contact for community concerns during their tours, the department noted.

Sergeant Jeremy Seeklander, promoted from Officer, has been assigned to supervise detectives within the Investigations Division. That post is responsible for guiding case assignments and ensuring follow-through on major investigations.

Sergeant Klaes “Sheldon” Welch, also promoted from Officer, will supervise a patrol shift—directing calls for service, mentoring newer officers, and coordinating with other city departments as needed, according to the agency.

What these promotions mean for Bismarck neighborhoods

With Marks steering Field Services and new supervisors in patrol and investigations, the department says residents can expect strengthened shift leadership and streamlined case coordination—changes aimed at supporting faster response and clearer communication with the public. The agency’s mission and division responsibilities are outlined on its official page.

The department did not release individual remarks from the newly promoted officers. Bismarck Local has requested interviews with Deputy Chief Marks and the new lieutenants and sergeants to learn more about their goals for patrol, investigations, and traffic safety.

Residents looking to learn more about division roles or to connect with the department can visit the Bismarck Police Department website or use the non-emergency contact listed there for community questions and event requests.

Looking ahead: priorities for the department

The promotions arrive as the department continues routine leadership rotations and ongoing training cycles. As new supervisors settle into their posts, residents may encounter them at neighborhood meetings, school events, and public safety presentations—key touchpoints the agency uses to share updates and hear concerns.

Any policy changes or program initiatives tied to these assignments will be shared through department channels and in public meeting materials posted by the City of Bismarck. Community members can follow updates and find contact information via the department’s website.

What to Watch

The department is expected to update division rosters and public contact points on its website as the new leaders assume their roles. Bismarck Local will share interviews with the promoted officers when available. Watch upcoming City of Bismarck meeting agendas for related public safety briefings.