During annual law enforcement memorial, Grand Forks police chief asks community to remember Ofc. Cody Holte
May 16—GRAND FORKS — In 2024 so far, 58 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2023, there were a total of 137 deaths.
At the 12th annual Northern Valley Police Week Memorial Service, held Thursday afternoon, May 16, law enforcement representing multiple agencies from the Grand Forks Police Department to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police gathered to remember those among them who have died.
"This is a day that evokes a myriad of emotions," Grand Forks Police Chief Mark Nelson said during his opening remarks. "From somber rememberance of the fateful day we lost a colleague and a loved one, to fond memories of how they lived their lives."
Throughout his more than 40 years working in law enforcement, the hardest day for Nelson — as an officer and leader — was May 27, 2020.
"That was the day we lost a true hero, when Officer Cody Holte made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his duties," he said.
The days following Holte's death flew at the agency with incredible speed, he said, and it was difficult for officers to catch their breath. An early conversation Nelson had during that time, which has stuck with him for nearly four years, was with Mandy Holte — Cody Holte's wife.
"As we started to discuss plans, she made one thing perfectly clear when she said she would not move on, but rather move forward," Nelson said. "Moving on denotes that we put the bad event behind us, forget about it and move on with our lives. Moving forward means we must continue to live our lives, but not forget the effect that hero has had on our lives."
It's important while moving forward, then, to honor fallen officers and remember their sacrifices, he said. The Grand Forks community certainly hasn't forgotten — residents still have signs hanging at their homes and shine blue porch lights, Nelson said. One community member drops off roses at the GFPD several times a year in Holte's honor.
"There's still a very strong support for law enforcement in this community," Nelson said.
The community showed support for its law enforcement by attending the service, held at the Northern Valley Law Enforcement Memorial in Optimist Park, located at 4601 Cherry St. in Grand Forks. Cars lined the nearby blocks as people gathered for the presentation of colors, U.S. and Canadian national anthems, memorial wreath placement, roll call, 21-gun salute and other ceremonial activities.
North Dakota Sen. Scott Meyer delivered the keynote speech, in which he encouraged attendees to reflect on the difficulties law enforcement face.
"This job has become increasingly complex and fraught with challenges," Meyer said. "Our officers confront isues that demand more than traditional policing skills, and they must do it within a split second."
He believes the community, and himself as a lawmaker, owe it to law enforcement to provide them with the resources and respect they need to effectively do their jobs.
"Today, let us pledge to support our law enforcement officers, to honor the memory of the fallen and work together for a future where their sacrifices are not in vain," Meyer said. "Let us remember our fallen officers, not only for their ultimate sacrifice, but for the lives they led and the ideals they embodied."
