Memorial to honor first responders, Friday

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Chaplain Corps is hosting a local memorial observance on Friday, May 10.

The month of May marks two national memorials that recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement and fire personnel. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend is observed in Emmitsburg, Md., on May 4-5,while  the annual candlelight vigil for fallen peace officers will be held May 13 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

Here in Bonners Ferry, the Boundary County Chaplain Corps will host the local memorial observance for Idaho peace officers and firefighters at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the lawn in front of the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office in downtown Bonners Ferry. Those gathered will reflect and read the list of those who lost their lives in the line of duty throughout Idaho’s history and so encourage the living. 

Everyone is invited to attend.

The ceremony will feature local honor guard, a memorial wreath presentation, ceremonial traditions of both police and fire services, and, especially, the reading of the line of duty death lists. This year, personnel from Bonner County will also be present.

“Boundary County Chaplain Corps wishes to make it known that we, as a community, are among those that feel the hurt of the families and agencies who have lost loved ones and colleagues, and that we stand behind the thin blue and thin red lines with gratitude,” Len Pine, sheriff’s office chaplain, said.

In the event of significant rainfall, the event will move across the street to the apparatus floor in the city of Bonners Ferry Fire Station 1. 

For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the event, contact Len Pine at 208-267-3327.