Ceremony pays tribute to first responders

Under a gray sky on the lawn of the Sheriff’s Office, the community gathered Sunday afternoon in quiet reverence to honor Idaho peace officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty. The somber memorial, hosted by the Boundary County Chaplain Corps, offered moments of reflection as speakers paid tribute to the fallen. 

The month of May marks two national memorials that recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement and firefighters, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the annual Candlelight Vigil for fallen peace officers.      

During the combined memorial observance in Bonners Ferry, the names of those killed in the line of duty were read. The names read consisted of 75 Idaho law enforcement names and 54 fire service names. Recording of these lists began to be kept in the late 1800s.  

Representatives from several area emergency services agencies participated in the event. The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, Bonners Ferry Police Department, Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Idaho State Police, and the Boundary County Chaplain Corps took turns reading the line-of-duty lists.

The solemnity of the ceremony was accentuated by skillful presentation of our nation's flag and the police and fire memorial flags by members of the Boundary County Fire Rescue honor guard.  

"Carrying on these traditions annually helps reinforce identity and pride among our first responders," Chaplain Len Pine said. "They help us remember the honor and purpose that we all share, along with giving the public a chance to show their support for those that serve them. Especially, in this case, those that have served to the point of the ultimate sacrifice."