Flags fly over Port of Entry

Since the establishment of the Bonners Ferry Port of Entry, more than two decades ago, there has always been something missing — the United States flag, the Idaho State flag and the POW/MIA flag. Thanks to the request of POE Inspector Tom Chaney, the efforts of other District 1 staff, an area business that donated and poured concrete for the base of the flagpole, and an ample amount of sweat equity, the Colors are now flying at the port.

“It is inspiring, not only to our employees, but to visiting truck drivers and our Idaho State Police partners as well,” explained POE Sr. Inspector Philip Youngman. “The positive feedback from industry partners, Idaho Transportation Department associates, and the Idaho State Police is encouraging.”

The Bonners Ferry POE, located at the junction of U.S. 95/U.S. 2, is the first Idaho government facility commercial carriers encounter as they enter Idaho from Canada on U.S. 95.

“The project represents how our physical environment can have an effect on our attitudes,” Youngman said. “The past two years of physical improvements to the facility and surrounding grounds has helped nurture a positive cultural attitudinal shift.

Transforming the port’s physical environment has helped make it a desired destination. We all witnessed the physical progress from breaking ground on this project to seeing the flag flying high. I

t is a great reminder of why we do what we do. Witnessing the Colors on display outside the observation window has nurtured a feeling of accomplishment,” he added.

The ITD personnel who participated in the flagpole project coordinated their efforts with their daily service obligations in order to make it a success.

Many thanks to the following ITD and industry partners:

Gerry Brown, (D1 Welder/fabricator); Pole modification/fabrication, Roy Clark, (D1 Electrical/Lighting); Electrical work, pole fabrication, Tom Chaney, (D1 Bonners Ferry POE Inspector); Project laborer, Mike Rearden, (D1 TTP Sign and Striping Foreman); Base anchor bolt anchors and template material, Clint Roney, (D1 Bonners Ferry ITD shed); Backhoe work, George Shutes, (D1 Bonners Ferry ITD shed Foreman); Project consulting, Ron Morgan, (D1/D2 POE Area Supervisor); Flags and pulley parts, project promotion and encouragement, Dave Stoddard, Todd Chaney, Kody Francis, (D1 Sign and Striping); Pole installation, Philip Youngman, (D1 Bonners Ferry POE Senior Inspector); Project manager, laborer. Pat Carr, (Idaho POE Manager); Project promotion and encouragement and Brian Wood (Wood’s Crushing & Hauling, of Sandpoint); Concrete donation and pouring of pole base.