James Prochniak
Superintendent, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Colonel James J. Prochniak was appointed Superintendent of the North Dakota Highway Patrol in August 2009 by Governor John Hoeven. A native of Fargo, Prochniak received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1987 from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, Minnesota, and is a 1998 graduate of the FBI National Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia.
Prochniak began his career with the North Dakota Highway Patrol in 1987, and as a trooper, was stationed in Bismarck, Minnewaukan, Casselton and Fargo. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as district sergeant in Bismarck and Fargo. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 2005 and served as commander of the Fargo District until his appointment by Gov. Hoeven.
Throughout his career, Prochniak has served as Safety Coordinator with the Highway Patrol's Safety and Education Division and as commander of the department's Emergency Response Team. He was also an instructor at the Law Enforcement Training Academy, and has served as an accident reconstructionist and as a member of the department's Interview Board.
Prochniak and his wife, Sue, have two children.
North Dakota Highway Patrol: (701) 328-2455; ndhpinfo@nd.gov