Fallen Fargo Officer Jake Wallin to be Laid to Rest with Military Honors
On Saturday morning, the city of Fargo will bid farewell to Officer Jake Wallin as he is laid to rest at a private funeral and burial with military honors. The procession will be livestreamed online by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
The Fargo Police Department will escort Officer Wallin’s body along a two-and-a-half-hour procession route to Pequot Lakes. The procession is expected to arrive at 9 a.m. at Pequot Lakes High School, where his funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m.
While the funeral service is not open to the public, officials are encouraging the community to pay their respects by displaying signs, flags, or offering a friendly wave as the procession passes by. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is important for everyone to maintain social distancing and not gather in large groups.
Officer Jake Wallin lost his life on July 15 when a man opened fire on officers responding to a crash scene. Two other officers, Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, were injured in the incident and are currently in serious condition at the hospital.
The procession will depart from Fargo, making stops at the Fargo Police Headquarters, and passing through Motley, Baxter, and Nisswa on the way to the final resting place in Pequot Lakes. Authorities are urging the public not to park vehicles on the side of the highway to watch the procession, but have identified safe areas to pay respects.
In Baxter, the Dellwood Drive frontage road is recommended, while in Nisswa, the grassy area near downtown is suggested. In Pequot Lakes, anyone can pay their respects along Patriot Avenue.
A public celebration of Officer Jake Wallin’s life will also be held in Fargo on Wednesday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at Scheels Arena. This event will provide an opportunity for the community to come together to remember and honor the fallen officer.
The tragic loss of Officer Wallin has deeply impacted the community of St. Michael, Minnesota, where he grew up. The entire town mourns the death of their hometown hero.
As we remember and honor Officer Jake Wallin, let us also keep his family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.