K9 state trooper named law enforcement officer of the year

Cody Jansen says his job with South Dakota Highway Patrol is to focus on 'worst of the worst'

Sgt. Cody Jansen, left, during his promotion last year. Jansen was named the William J. Janklow Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2025.

When a man shot a Sioux Falls police officer and then fled in a stolen vehicle earlier this year, it was an all-hands-on-deck moment for area law enforcement officers.

Ultimately, it was Highway Patrol Sgt. Cody Jansen who located Samir Albaidhani, who was traveling at more than 100 mph on Interstate 29 near Beresford. After Albaidhani crashed, he opened fire on Jansen, shattering the patrol vehicle’s window. While Albaidhani shot at other officers, Jansen returned fire, striking Albaidhani in the shoulder.

Albaidhani was ultimately arrested and indicted on 11 felony counts, including four charges of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer.

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