A Minnesota police sergeant and father of two died less than 24 hours after doctors diagnosed him with a brain infection, leaving behind a young family and a stunned community.
Sgt. Cody Siebert, a K-9 officer with the East Range Police Department, died Feb. 27, the department announced. He was remembered as a devoted father, loyal colleague and a fixture in the small northern Minnesota community he served.
Siebert helped launch the K-9 program in Babbitt, Minnesota, alongside his police dog, Taconite, before later joining the East Range Police Department.
"Sgt. Siebert was well known for his happy-go lucky personality," the department wrote in a Facebook tribute. "It was best said that if you couldn't get along with Cody, it was your fault."
"The hole left by Sgt. Siebert's passing will be impossible to fill," the department added.
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.
Blais told donated his organs, the newspaper reported.
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.