WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — More than 30,000 law enforcement officers and their families are in Washington D.C. this week to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Minnesota and surrounding states lost 8 officers in the line of duty in 2023. Their names have been etched into a painful legacy alongside 24,000 officers on the National Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
It's been one of the most challenging years Amy and Jeff Wallin have ever experienced after their son, Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin was killed last summer.
"To us, he was just our Jake. We didn't look at him as Officer Wallin. or sergeant Wallin," Amy said.
The army veteran and Minnesota National Guard soldier was called out to a car accident in Fargo on July 14, 2023. He was shot and killed in an ambush that also seriously injured two other officers. The 23-year-old was on the job for only three months.
"Overall, this experience is overwhelming, comforting, and therapeutic in a way for me," Wallin's police academy classmate and friend, Kyla Jackson said.
Jackson and more than 60 other officers from the Fargo Police Department made the trip to Washington D.C. with help from the City of Fargo and other donations. They all attended the vigil for the fallen officers on the National Mall.
"It just starts to help everyone I think transition through the loss and keep stepping forward," Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said.
Wallin is remembered for his dedication to law enforcement, a career he dreamed of at a young age. His family says they will cherish their last lake day they had with him forever. They couldn't be more grateful for the support they've received from Fargo and people in Minnesota.
"He's out living all of us now. His name will be here forever," Jeff said.
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