In a tragic turn of events, a dedicated Minnesota police sergeant and father of two has passed away, leaving a community in shock and a family in mourning. Sgt. Cody Siebert, known for his unwavering commitment and warm personality, succumbed to a brain infection less than a day after it was diagnosed.

Sgt. Siebert, a K9 officer with the East Range Police Department, took his last breath on February 27, as confirmed by his department. His sudden departure has left a profound void among his colleagues and the small northern Minnesota community he served with passion and dedication.

Before joining the East Range Police Department, Siebert played a pivotal role in establishing the K9 program in Babbitt, Minnesota, alongside his loyal police dog, Taconite. This initiative underscored his proactive approach and commitment to enhancing community safety.

The department paid heartfelt tribute to Siebert through a Facebook post, fondly recalling his infectious optimism. “Sgt. Siebert was well known for his happy-go-lucky personality,” the tribute read. “It was best said that if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault.”

The loss of Sgt. Siebert resonates deeply with those who knew him, both as a dedicated officer and as a loving father. His legacy is one of dedication and kindness, leaving behind an indelible mark on northern Minnesota.

The East Range Police Department expressed the irreplaceable nature of his absence, stating, “The hole left by Sgt. Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill.”

A GoFundMe page launched by Siebert’s family has raised more than $107,000 as of Tuesday evening. He is survived by his life partner, Karen Blais, and their two sons, ages 1 and 2.

“To know Cody was to have a friend. He had a rare gift for connection — if you crossed paths with him, you knew you were in for a genuine conversation. He truly enjoyed people, and his absence leaves a void in our community that will be felt by many,” his family wrote on the fundraising page.

Sgt. Cody Siebert, a K9 officer with the East Range Police Department in Minnesota, died Feb. 27 less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection. (East Range Police Department)

Blais told The Minnesota Star Tribune that Siebert woke up last week suffering from a headache that had begun the day before. He was hospitalized, and doctors determined that an infection in his nasal passage had spread to his brain, according to the newspaper.

“He loved people — being in that position and being able to help people in general,” his brother Brandon Siebert, told the outlet. “Not just getting the bad guys, going to the school, checking in with people.”

The tragedy comes just months after another loss in the extended family. According to the Star Tribune, Siebert’s sister-in-law, Alyssa Siebert, died last October from a brain aneurysm.

Sgt. Cody Siebert poses with his K9 partner, Taconite, and Chief Tim Soular. (East Range Police Department)

“We’re in a déjà vu of an unusual situation,” said his other sister-in-law, Ashley Siebert. “They both helped others the whole time. They were both great people. They’ve done more than most 30-year-olds have accomplished in their lives.”

Like his sister-in-law, Siebert donated his organs, the newspaper reported.

The East Range Police Department in Minnesota announced the unexpected death of Sgt. Cody Siebert on Feb. 27. (East Range Police Department )

Mesabi East Schools also paid tribute, remembering Siebert as someone who saw the potential in every student.

“The impact he had on our students and staff cannot be measured. He wasn’t just our K9 officer, he was a mentor, a role model, a friend, and a steady, positive presence in our Giants community,” the school district wrote.

Related Article