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A Minnesota police sergeant and “devoted father” of two toddlers died less than a day after he was diagnosed with a brain infection that spread from his nose.
Cody Siebert, a 33-year-old K-9 sergeant with the East Range Police Department, died Friday “following a sudden and brave battle with a brain infection,” his brother confirmed in a GoFundMe.
Siebert suffered an infection in his nasal passage that spread to his brain. He readily agreed to donate his organs before he passed, the Minnesota Star-Tribune reported.
“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.
Siebert leaves behind a loving life partner, Karen Blais, and their sons, Reese, 2, and Bayne, 1 — collectively lauded 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.
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