East Range K-9 Sgt. Cody Siebert Dies After Rapid Brain Infection

East Range Police Department K-9 Sergeant Cody Siebert died suddenly after a rapid medical collapse, the department said, with several outlets including Valley News Live and WFSB reporting the death on Feb. 27. Northern News Now identified his wife as Karen and said he leaves two sons, ages one and two; WFSB reported his age as 27.

ERPD’s Facebook statement and local coverage said Siebert “passed away less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.” The department called his death unexpected and described his temperament as a hallmark of his work: “Sgt. Siebert was known for his 'happy-go-lucky personality,'” the post said. News reports do not name a treating hospital or publish a coroner’s statement, and outlets noted that no additional medical details have been released.

Siebert served with K-9 partner Taconite, known as Tac, a Dutch shepherd, and helped establish the K-9 program in Babbitt before joining East Range full-time in 2023 after more than six years with the Babbitt Police Department, the Mesabi Tribune reported. East Range Police Chief Jorden Klovstad told the Mesabi Tribune, “He just had an overwhelmingly positive attitude all the time. He put the fun in everyone’s day. I don’t even know how to explain the amount of joy he brought to everyone,” and described Siebert as “the glue that held the team together.”

The Iron Range response was immediate. Mesabi Tribune and Northern News Now reported ERPD placed Siebert’s squad vehicle outside the department in Hoyt Lakes for the public to view and honor, and Mesabi East Schools posted a message on Feb. 28 praising his role at the district. Mesabi East wrote, “Our school community will never be the same. Mesabi East was truly blessed to have him walking our halls, greeting students, encouraging staff, and building relationships that went far beyond his badge.” A fundraising page titled “Honoring Cody Siebert’s Legacy and Family” was launched to assist his family; WFSB quoted the GoFundMe saying, “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.”

The sudden course of a brain infection in a young officer has left questions for medical and public health authorities. Local reports so far have not provided a hospital name, diagnostic specifics, or autopsy findings; Mesabi Tribune, Northern News Now and other outlets listed confirming those details as follow-up items. East Range’s Facebook post warned of the depth of the loss: “The hole left by Sgt. Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill,” and concluded with the department’s reassurance to the community, “We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”