Fargo Police Honor Heroes on Anniversary of Shooting | The Mighty 790 KFGO

Photo of the City of Fargo

FARGO, ND (KFGO/KVRR) – Members of the Fargo Police and Fire Departments, as well as the community, gathered at Fargo City Hall to commemorate the life of Jake Wallin.

It had been a year since Fargo police officer Jake Wallin lost his life in an ambush.

Two other officers, Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas, as well as bystander Karlee Koswick were also injured.

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.”

The Fargo Police Department also awarded Koswick the Purple Heart at the memorial service in recognition of her bravery and resilience.

“We are proud to award you this Purple Heart, not in recognition of the fact that you were shot, but in recognition of the fact that you persevered.”

Koswick now lives in Pennsylvania, but the Fraternal Order of Police arranged for her to come to Fargo to attend the ceremony.

She said it was incredible to return to Fargo and see the support of the community.

“Everyone has been really nice and it’s been great to just get to know people here and feel the love and support that I’ve been given.”

Officer Zach Robinson was at the scene of the shooting. He said the unity within the Fargo Police family helped everyone adjust.

“Knowing who to talk to when you’re going through something. We’re all part of it now. The FPD families have been great, the community has been great for everyone too. We’re just really thankful for the place we live and the Fargo community for helping us through all of this.”

He said that relations between the families of those injured on the ground had improved as a result of this tragic event.

“It’s been a long year, but it’s also gone by really quickly. And I’m really grateful that we were able to rely on everyone and support them.”