City of Fargo photo
FARGO, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) – Members of the Fargo Police Department, Fargo Fire Department and the community at large gathered to remember the life of Jake Wallin at Fargo City Hall.
It marked one year since Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin lost his life in an ambush.
Two other officers, Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas were also injured, along with bystander Karlee Koswick.
The surviving officers and Koswick came to the memorial on the anniversary of the attack.
“We honor the strength and resilience of Andrew and Tyler, who have worked extremely hard over the past year to overcome a multitude of physical injuries; emotional struggles I’m sure. All with the goal of getting back in uniform and serving their community.”
Fargo Police also awarded Koswick the purple heart at the memorial, a recognition of her courage and resilience.
“We’re proud to award you with this purple heart not in recognition of the fact that you were shot, but in recognition of the fact that you persevered. ”
Koswick is living in Pennsylvania now, but the Fraternal Order of Police made sure that she could come to Fargo to attend the ceremony.
She said that coming back to Fargo and getting to see the support from the community has been incredible.
“Everyone’s been really nice, and it’s been really great to just meet people here and feel the love and support that’s been coming my way.”
Officer Zach Robinson was at the scene of the shooting. He said that the bond of the Fargo Police family has helped all of them adjust.
“Knowing who you can talk to when you’re going through things. We’re all part of it now. FPD families been great, the community has been great too for everybody. Just really appreciative for where we live and the community of Fargo for helping us out through all this.”
He said that the relationships between the families of those wounded at the scene have blossomed out of this tragic event.
“It’s been a long year, but it’s also gone by super fast. And to have everybody to lean on and support all of us, I’ve been really grateful for that.”
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