FARGO (KFGO) – A celebration of life for fallen Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin was held at Scheels Arena Wednesday.
Law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and members of the public gathered to honor Wallin’s memory.
Speakers at the ceremony included former U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, Chief Dave Zibolski, Gov. Doug Burgum, Mayor Tim Mahoney, Attorney General Drew Wrigley, Wallin’s father Jeff, and Officer Ian Kristan. Others, including the three other officers involved in the shootout that took Wallin’s life, and officers from Wallin’s graduating class appeared via video message.
Jeff Wallin said the overwhelming support the community has shown their family has been astonishing.
“It affords opportunity to move forward with possibly the most crucial thing we need – hope,” Wallin said. “Hope that Jake’s sacrifice was not in vain. Hope that the ideals Jake stood for are truly appreciated by those he swore to protect.”
Jeff Wallin said they do not believe Jake would harbor any regrets over what happened.
“He was not in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Wallin said. “He was exactly where his heart and determination for his fellow man dictated – that he should be there at that moment. He is a hero.”
There were also video packages featuring the three other officers involved in the shootout that took Wallin’s life – Andrew Dotas, Tyler Hawes, and Zach Robinson.
“We want them to know that this loss is experienced by the region,” Heitkamp said. “It is experienced by a community that cares deeply about their law enforcement. And that community will never forget this sacrifice – a community that will always remember with great gratitude, the great sacrifice of your family.”
Officer Tyler Hawes called Wallin an honorable person in everything that he did.
“He loved with honor. He fought with honor. He gave a speeding ticket with honor,” Hawes said. “Whatever we did that day, both personally and professionally, he did it in an honorable way that should be respected as long as his memory continues.”
Both Hawes and Officer Andrew Dotas expressed their gratitude to the community from their hospital beds.
“Thank you,” Dotas said. “Thank you for all the little things, for all the little cards that people have dropped off. Those things do matter and we’re going to keep being strong. Fargo strong is something that we keep pushing towards. It’s not an end-goal. It’s something that we’re going to keep taking strides further for.”
Hawes said it was hard to put into words how grateful he is for the prayers, thoughts, donations, and everything else the public has done to show their support.
Comments