BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — On May 9, the bell rang 69 times throughout the Memorial Hall in the State Capitol Building — once for each North Dakota Peace Officer who has fallen in the line of duty since 1874.

Unfortunately, two names were added this year: Jake R. Wallin of the Fargo Police Department and Paul S. Martin of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

A veteran and police officer, Wallin was born in 1999 and decided from the start that he would pursue a life and job with meaning.

On July 14, 2023, Wallin was killed after responding to a crash scene. The man who shot Wallin had 1,800 rounds of ammunition, along with explosives, in his car. This man was killed thanks to Wallin’s service.

Paul Martin was also a veteran. Martin loved and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren.
On December 6, 2023, Martin died while in pursuit of a man — the son of United States Senator Kevin Cramer — who was driving 100 miles per hour. Cramer’s son crashed into Martin’s car and Martin died on the scene.

“The time for our fierce justice is now,” said North Dakota Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley. “Another moment is waiting a moment too long. It’s waiting while others stand between our people and the merciless.”

The memorial included memorial messages from Governor Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley, Supreme Court Justice Douglas Bahr, Fargo and Burleigh County police chiefs, and a Mercer County chief.

Bells were rung, bagpipes were blown, and rifles were shot — all for the 69 North Dakota officers who have sacrificed their lives.

To Governor Burgum, Wallin and Martin are an important reminder to respect and honor those who serve our country.

“We also know from the national news that there are many, many parts of our country that have decided to turn their backs on those in blue,” said Burgum. “And I can tell you that with the leadership in North Dakota that’s here now, and myself, Attorney General Wrigley, and any of those who will follow us, that’s not going to happen in North Dakota.”

The 2023 North Dakota Peace Officer of the Year Award was also presented posthumously to Jake Wallin.

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