Terry Huggins recognized for cleaning up trash, used syringes

BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office honored Terry and Sue Huggins for their work recycling trash and cleaning up drug paraphernalia — including used syringes.

Terry Huggins went through medical trauma and was told he would never get better or improve his health. He began to slowly start to walk a bit further and gradually increased his distance.

In his journey to increase his walking, Terry Huggins began to notice trash along the roads and campsites; he took the initiative to pick up the garbage, recycle and limit what gets thrown in the landfill.

“I should be doing something, and there was no shortage of garbage along the road,” Terry Huggins said.

Last year, Huggins put in more than 500 miles of garbage cleanup in Boundary County -- an amount he doubled this year.

Huggins will often go to the same roads and campsites because people are continually trashing them.

“Sometimes he got barbecues on his four-wheeler and coolers; he actually found a meth lab one day,” Sue Huggins said.

Terry Huggins makes sure to wear gloves, protective equipment, and pinchers to organize and pick up trash.

There is no ill will towards any of the residents or people who forget the trash, and Terry Huggins thinks that the community is beautiful and most people are pretty good about picking up their trash.

Sue Huggins believes that the most significant trash issues are those campground visitors that stay for long periods of time but don’t pick up trash they leave behind.

Terry Huggins has picked up 1500 pounds of metal, has 55 large bags of crushed cans, and buckets of drug paraphernalia that he has brought to law enforcement to process the drugs and syringes.

Terry Huggins is a humble man who never wanted the recognition but appreciates law enforcement’s support, who helps with bags’ costs.

“I’m not one to pat myself on the back,” Terry Huggins said.

It’s not all trash and drugs; Terry Huggins has found money and ripped $5 bills and has been able to see all the pieces and used the money.

According to Kramer, the work Terry Huggins is doing is vital to alert law enforcement of places to keep an eye on many syringes, drugs or paraphernalia.

Kramer is glad that fewer syringes and drugs are thrown on the floor; it protects curious children who walk along those same paths and roads.

Kramer and undersheriff presented Terry and Sue Huggins with medals of service and a certificate for their hard work.

“Sheriff’s recognition to both of you for your unselfish giving of making Boundary County a better place by picking up trash from over one thousand miles on roads in 2020,” Kramer said.