First Responder LODD Memorial was held Friday
The community gathered Friday to pay tribute to the state’s law enforcement officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Boundary County Chaplain Corp hosted the memorial service, held at the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, with personnel from both Boundary and Bonner counties present for the ceremony.
With the sun shining and the scent of spring floating on the air, those gathered sat and stood solemnly while paying their respects.
While the names of the 75 peace officers (since 1883) and 53 firefighters (since 1981) were read, the silence hung heavy in the air as those gathered reflected on those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
A table for the fallen was present.at a table for a missing man is a traditional placement for fallen first responders as well as fallen soldiers. This symbolism is to remind the gathered of those who could not be with them today.
The traditional last call was performed over the radio. A powerful and emotional moment as the dispatcher paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their communities. A wreath laying presentation and the firefighter tradition of ringing of the bells to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice also took place.
The ceremony ended with the emotional sound of bagpipes fading away as the local honor guard marched out of sight.
LODD Memorial Observance 2024Jennifer Wright