(FARGO) – Members of the community, region and state joined first responders, the Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department in a ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of the shooting that killed Fargo Police officer Jake Wallin, and injured officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, along with Karlee Koswick, who was involved in accident responders were tending to.
“The violence of July 14 was truly senseless,” Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney said.
Among those gathered at the event was Koswick, who has, since the events of July 14, 2023, moved away from the Fargo area. Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski awarded Koswick with the department’s Purple Heart award.
Mahoney touched on Wallin’s impact, and how his family’s grief impacts Fargo. He also spoke to the fallen officer’s legacy.
“Their grief was our grief,” he said. “We will always honor his service and his sacrifice.”
Mahoney also commended the work of Fargo ‘s first responders on that fateful day.
“The way our first responders rose to the challenge that day was tremendous,” he said.
Zibolski, Fire Chief Dirksen reflect
Members of Fargo’s fire and police departments were working a normal traffic accident in a busy area of Fargo when shots rang out. Officer Zachary Robinson eventually neutralized the shooter in a multi-minute gunfight.
Both Zibolski and Fargo Fire Chief Steve Dirksen took a chance to reflect on that dark day in Fargo’s history.
“Everyone did what they could with what they had in front of them,” Zibolski said.
For Dirksen, looking back on that day of tragedy showed Fargo in a different place.
“A year ago, we were sitting in a way different place,” he said. “Our community faced an unimaginable horror.”
Fargo continues to heal
One year later, the Fargo community continues to feel the sense of loss and heartache caused by the events of July 14, 2023. But the healing has begun.
“Together, we will continue to be healing,” Mahoney said.
