[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING OFFICER JAKE WALLIN

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Tina Smith of 
Minnesota, Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, and Senator Kevin 
Cramer of North Dakota, I rise to honor Jake Ryan Wallin, a Fargo 
police officer whose life was cut tragically short in the line of duty 
on July 14, 2023. He lived every day of his 23 years in the service of 
others, and his loss is nothing short of a tragedy for his family, his 
community, and our country.
  Jake was the beloved son of Jeff and Amy Wallin. Raised in St. 
Michael, MN, he was a graduate of St. Michael-Albertville High School 
and Alexandria Technical and Community College before attending the 
American Military University.
  As a member of the Minnesota National Guard, he was deployed to both 
Afghanistan and Iraq, where he served honorably. Upon return, he found 
a new home in Fargo, ND, and continued his life of service with the 
Fargo Police Department.
  At Officer Wallin's funeral, the people who knew him best emphasized 
that more than anything, he wanted to live a life of purpose--to do 
work that made a difference for people. As a servicemember and a police 
officer, he did that and so much more. Time and time again, Officer 
Wallin heard the call of duty and raised his hand to say, ``Count me 
in.'' That level of selflessness, character, and patriotism is the mark 
of a good citizen and a good man. A world where everyone lived the 
values that defined Officer Wallin's life would be a better world 
indeed.
  My heart is with Jake's parents Jeff and Amy; his brother Brady; his 
fiance Winter; and everyone who called him a grandson, a nephew, a 
cousin, a colleague, or a friend. I wish them peace and comfort as they 
mourn the needless, devastating loss of an exceptional young man. While 
he is no longer with us, his memory will serve as an inspiration to 
generations of public servants who choose to follow in his brave 
footsteps.

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