Share and Follow
A Minnesota community is mourning the loss of a beloved K-9 police sergeant and devoted father, who passed away just hours after being diagnosed with a severe brain infection that originated from his nasal passages.
Cody Siebert, aged 33, served as a K-9 sergeant with the East Range Police Department. His brother announced Siebert’s untimely death on Friday following a “sudden and courageous fight against a brain infection” through a GoFundMe page.
The infection, which began in Siebert’s nasal cavity, tragically spread to his brain. Known for his selflessness, Siebert made the decision to donate his organs prior to his passing, as reported by the Minnesota Star-Tribune.
“Cody was the kind of person who made friends easily. He had a unique ability to connect with others—every encounter with him promised a sincere and meaningful conversation. His love for people was evident, and his loss leaves a profound emptiness in our community,” his family shared.
Survived by his loving partner, Karen Blais, and their young sons, Reese, aged 2, and Bayne, aged 1, Siebert’s family described them as “his greatest pride and joy.”
Siebert was credited as the architect of the Babbit Police Department’s K-9 program, which he carried over to East Range with the help of his trusty partner, K9 Taconite, in 2023, according to a heartbreaking tribute shared by his department.
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.