Officer Jake Wallin, 23, was shot and killed in the streets of Fargo, North Dakota, one week ago, and local law enforcement officers left Sioux Falls on Friday to attend his burial. The funeral for Wallin, scheduled for Saturday in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, is expected to draw cops from throughout the country.
The caravan set out from the Sioux Falls Law Enforcement Center on their five-and-a-half-hour journey to memorialize a fallen officer. “We’ll stop along the way to refuel the bikes and vehicles, and people are really respectful, they show a lot of support,” said Lt. Jason Leach, commander of the Sioux Falls Police Honor Guard.
Jake Wallin’s remains will be taken from Pequot Lakes High School to the cemetery by four Sioux Falls motorcycle patrol officers. The remainder of the Sioux Falls group will be informed of their responsibilities prior to the burial.
“We may be involved in coordinating where people go.” “We could be doormen,” Leach hypothesized. The officers are extremely proud of the appearance of their motorcycles. In preparation for their excursion to Pequot Lakes, they polished them up.
They polish them again tonight once they come in preparation for tomorrow’s funeral. “I believe that showing up for the escort and actual motor procession is a sign of respect and honor for that fallen officer.” “Having other officers show up shows a lot of support for the family,” said Sgt. Joel Dalton of the Sioux Falls Police Department. Because one of the Sioux Falls cops was injured in the incident, the trip is extra meaningful for them.
“One of the officers shot in Fargo in this horrific incident is also a police motorcycle officer up in Fargo.” And he’d come down here to Sioux Falls to train with our motorcycle officers, Leach continued. Local law enforcement pays their respects in a gesture of solidarity that extends across the border and far beyond.
A South Dakota Highway Patrol truck was also part of the convoy that left Sioux Falls on Friday. Given how well-armed the Fargo gunman was, Leach feels the cop who shot him saved many lives.
