A Minnesota police sergeant known for his dedication as both an officer and father has tragically passed away just hours after a brain infection was discovered. This infection originated in his nasal passage and swiftly advanced to his brain.
At 33, Cody Siebert, a K-9 sergeant with the East Range Police Department, succumbed to the illness on Friday. His brother revealed the heart-wrenching news on a GoFundMe page, describing Cody’s brief yet courageous struggle against the infection.
The infection started in Siebert’s nasal passages and rapidly affected his brain. Prior to his passing, Siebert made the selfless decision to become an organ donor, as reported by the Minnesota Star-Tribune.
“Knowing Cody meant having a friend for life,” his family expressed. “He possessed an exceptional ability to connect with others. Anyone who met him experienced genuine conversations and meaningful interactions. His absence will be deeply felt within our community,” they added.
He leaves behind his beloved partner, Karen Blais, and their two young sons, Reese, aged 2, and Bayne, aged 1. His family described his children as his greatest delight and joy.
Siebert played a pivotal role in establishing the Babbit Police Department’s K-9 program. In 2023, he successfully implemented the program at East Range, working alongside his loyal K9 partner, Taconite. His department honored him with a touching tribute following his untimely death.
He was a beloved hometown hero who served as the resident K-9 officer in the Mesabi East School District. When he wasn’t patrolling the halls, he could sometimes be found shooting hoops with the basketball team during practice.
“He loved people — being in that position and being able to help people in general. Not just getting the bad guys, going to the school, checking in with people,” his brother, Brandon Siebert, told the Minnesota Star-Tribune.
Siebert’s brothers in arms shared the same sentiment.
“Sgt Siebert was well known for his happy-go lucky personality. It was best said that if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault,” the police department wrote.
“The hole left by Sgt Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill. We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”
Siebert’s patrol car was adorned with a blue ribbon and had the words “In memory 119” — his badge number — pasted on the front windshield. The ERPD parked it outside of the station and encouraged the public “to add to the car in support of Sgt Siebert.”
Locals honked and waved at the car while driving by Monday. Others suggested leaving blue balloons and more fresh arrangements.
Siebert’s canine partner, affectionately nicknamed Tac, will be retired from duty and relinquished into his family’s custody, people familiar with the department confirmed on Facebook.
The GoFundMe organized for Siebert’s family easily cleared its original goal and is inching close to $106,000 as of Tuesday evening.
The family has had more than its fair share of tragedies.
Siebert’s sister-in-law, 31-year-old Alyssa Siebert, died from a brain aneurysm in October, leaving behind two sons, who were just 2 years and 6 months old at the time. Like Siebert, Alyssa was a dutiful public servant — a nurse — and a registered organ donor.
A GoFundMe for Alyssa’s husband and children, also organized by Brandon, started to creep upwards of $118,000 Tuesday evening, having received renewed traction in the wake of Siebert’s death.
