Wed, Jul 19th, 2023 - 1:39pm
July 22, 2023 - 11:59am | By Chris Larson
(PEQUOT LAKES, MINN) – Thousands gathered with family, friends, military and law enforcement, including the Fargo Police Department, on Saturday morning to lay to rest 23-year-old Jake Wallin at a funeral at the Pequot Lakes High School in Pequot Lakes, Minn. Wallin was killed Friday, July 14, in an officer-involved shooting in downtown Fargo.
Wallin was remembered by, among others, Wallin’s aunt, Jodi Wallin.
"Jake was the little boy I adored," Jodi said. "He made friends wherever he went.”
Chaplain Reverend Jordan Helming, who presided over the service, said those gathered at the funeral, called Wallin “an exceptional man.”
Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski, who was appointed Fargo’s police chief in 2020, spoke about Jake, on behalf of the department of which Wallin was a graduate of Fargo Police Academy IV and became an FPD Officer on April 19, 2023. Zibolski remembered the heavy – and light – sides of the personality of Wallin.
"He was very serious and committed, but had a sense of humor," Zibolski said of Wallin. "Jake exemplified our department value of guardianship.”
Wallin’s parents, Jeff and Amy Wallin, were presented two awards on behalf of the Fargo Police Department by Zibolski.
The first award was the Purple Heart Award.
“Our Purple Heart Award is proudly bestowed upon Jake Ryan Wallin, whose performance of his duties as a public safety public officer, gave his life on July 14, 2023, protecting life and property,” Zibolski said. “We dedicate ourselves to his memory, and the supreme sacrifice he made in the line of duty, while performing an act of honor, valor and bravery.”
The second award was the Medal of Honor.
“This is also proudly bestowed upon Officer Jake R. Wallin,” he said. “With his performance of his duties, gave his life on July 14, 2023. We again dedicate ourselves to his memory and the supreme sacrifice he made in the line of duty, while performing an act of honor, valor and bravery.”
Zibolski presented a shadow box to Wallin’s parents, which contained Wallin’s photo and medals. The awards were also framed.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also awarded the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal to Wallin.
“For exceptionally distinguished service, while serving in the 1st Batallion, 151st Field Artillery, and his service to his community as a Fargo Police Officer,” Helming read. “During this period, Sergeant Jake Wallin led his soldiers through multiple difficult missions, including missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and returned to serve his community. Sergeant Wallin’s accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, Alpha Battery, First Batallion, 151st Field Artillery, the 84th Troop Command, the 34th Infantry Division, and the Minnesota Army National Guard, and the United States.”
The award was signed by Walz and Minnesota Adjutant General Shawn Menke.
Wallin is being laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa, Minn.
A community Celebration of Life will be held at Fargo’s Scheels Arena on Wednesday, July 26 at 1 p.m.
