Sheriff Kramer deputizes SVSU volunteers
BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Sheriff David Kramer deputized more than 25 members of the community Saturday and in so doing formed the new Boundary County Sheriff’s Volunteer Support Unit.
Quoting Helen Keller’s famous words, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’ Kramer emphasised the importance of utilizing the multiple talents that the newly deputized men and women possess that will assist the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, and ultimately the community as a whole.
Sheriff Kramer deputized members of SVSU as Level III Reserve Deputies, according to Idaho Administrative Procedures Act 11, rules of the Idaho Peace Officer Standards.
SVSU includes specialized units made up of appointed reserve deputies that meet the needs of that particular unit. For example, the Cold Case Unit is made up of retired and active law enforcement officers and forensic specialists who have volunteered their time, talents and expertise. The Cold Case Unit will begin to examine potential homicide cases that may need further investigation.
The Fire Investigation Unit is made up of retired and active fire investigators and forensic specialists who will examine past and future arson or potential arson cases.
Other SVSU units include the Medical Unit, which consists of fully certified EMTs and paramedics, the Chaplain’s Unit, Air Asset Unit, with at least five pilots on standby, and the Marine/Dive Unit for water rescue emergencies. The Horse/Jeep/ATV Team/Sled Unit also includes a bear encounter specialist.
The SVSU Command Post Communications Unit is organized so that it is ready to be mobilized and deployed in the event of a county disaster, a search and rescue operation, wildlands fire, etc.
Kramer said the mission of SVSU is to support Boundary Search and Dive Rescue ‘boots on the ground’ efforts and will be available to assist in whatever capacity needed.
Emphasising the importance of ethics, integrity, trust and loyalty, Kramer reminded the newly deputized SVSU reserves that they hold no extra powers, and that they are expected to be polite and professional at all times, as they now represent the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.
Closing with the words of Elizabeth Andrew, ‘Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart,’ Sheriff Kramer expressed his gratitude and thanked the volunteers for their time and dedication to serving the community.