Law enforcement officials in the region are mourning the death of Maj. Mike Fonder, a longtime chief deputy and spokesman for the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Department.
Fonder died Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 56. The sheriff's office says funeral arrangements are pending.
Nearly 500 people gathered for a benefit two years ago to help with his medical expenses. Deputy Larry Hoffman said then that Fonder continued to show up for work every day and called him an inspiration.
Fonder grew up in Grand Forks. He began working with the sheriff's department 31 years ago.
Grand Forks, N.D. —
