Central ND News

On National Peace Officers Memorial Day, Senator John Hoeven honored the memory of Fargo Police Officer Jake Ryan Wallin and Mercer County Deputy Paul Steven Martin, North Dakota peace officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023. Sheriff Charles McCarthy, whose death in 1874 was recently discovered by the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department, was also recognized at this year's event.

Hoeven plans to pay tribute to these fallen officers and acknowledge the service of North Dakota law enforcement officers as part of a National Police Week colloquy on the Senate floor. "National Peace Officers Memorial Day provides us with the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities so that we may live in safety," said Hoeven. "The tragic loss of Officer Jake Wallin and Deputy Paul Martin remind us of the dangers our law enforcement officials face each day, and the enormous debt we owe them for their sacrifices to keep our communities safe. We can never fully repay our police officers, but we can continue to honor those we’ve lost and their service, and the sacrifices of their families and loved ones."

In addition, Hoeven recognized Fargo Officer Zachary Robinson, one of 10 officers from across the nation honored with the TOP COPS Award by the National Association of Police Organizations this week. Officer Robinson received this award for his heroic actions last July when Fargo law enforcement officials were ambushed while investigating a traffic accident.

Hoeven also helped introduce a Senate resolution designating May 12-18, 2024 as National Police Week. This resolution expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States and calls for support to ensure that officers have access to necessary equipment, training, and resources. Simultaneously, it remembers and honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.