The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS)’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) combined into one new division on Sept. 3, 2025. 

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is made up of many divisions, each with an area of specialized focus. Commissioner Bob Jacobson has a vision to uplift public safety and is implementing strategies to do so. 

OPS was part of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) division, with Deputy Director Jonathan Wolfgram overseeing daily operations.

SFM, OPS and OSSO each have specific areas of focus that require advanced, technical expertise applicable to their roles as state agencies. Recent divisional growth and increasing complexity in the work they perform has highlighted the need for dedicated director leadership for OPS-OSSO.

With that, Wolfgram has been appointed director of the new OPS-OSSO division.

Wolfgram was also serving as interim program manager for OSSO, giving him leadership experience in both facets of the new division.

OSSO conducts audits and investigations of the Metro Transit light rail train system, much like OPS does for pipeline operators throughout Minnesota. Both offices focus on regulation, compliance and most importantly, keeping Minnesotans safe.

Wolfgram has been with OPS since 2009 and has served as chief engineer and deputy director since 2013.

“Jonathan cares deeply about keeping Minnesotans safe,” DPS Assistant Commissioner John Cunningham said. “He has helped lead OPS in a positive direction and I know he will continue to do so as the division combines with OSSO.”

As director, Wolfgram will oversee OPS and OSSO’s efforts to keep Minnesotans safe through pipeline inspections, utility damage prevention and light rail compliance. 

He has an extensive engineering background and is passionate about protecting the people of Minnesota from pipeline and rail-related incidents. 

“This work requires commitment from all stakeholders and partners involved on daily basis,” Wolfgram said. “I am grateful to be a part of this group dedicated to keeping people safe.”

During his time with OPS, Wolfgram has helped investigate the natural gas-related explosion at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis and was involved in the safety inspection of the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project. He has also held leadership roles on national pipeline safety committees.

His proven leadership and commitment to keeping Minnesotans safe will undoubtedly be invaluable as we start this new chapter for OPS and OSSO.