Jackie Kirk: Loving to help animals, people

When Jackie Kirk grew up on a farm in southern Indiana she developed a love for animals.

"We had all kinds of farm animals," the Post Falls woman said. "That's where my love of animals was cultivated in me."

The 80-year-old Kirk is a volunteer at the Post Falls Police Department and at Real Life Ministries, but much of her behind-the-scenes efforts have come with her foundation called the J. Kirk Foundation and Animal Assistance League.

Kirk has worked in records and wherever needed for PFPD for nearly 10 years.

"She is one of the most genuine people I have ever met," PFPD Chief Scot Haug said. "Jackie assists in a variety of different positions, including greeting customers as they walk into the police department."

She has also served as a Volunteer on Patrol where she worked in partnership with other volunteers to patrol the streets and assist patrol officers with property watches, vacation checks, traffic control, park checks, abandoned vehicle removal and other duties.

"Jackie is an inspiration to the entire department," Haug said. "She always has a smile on her face and her attitude is uplifting to the entire team. She has had many trials throughout her life, and no matter what, she always looks at the positive side of things. I am proud to work alongside such an amazing person. She cares about others."

At RLM, Kirk, a retired registered nurse who worked for Veterans Affairs in multiple locations, has been a greeter and is a home group host.

Her nonprofit provides financial assistance to residents of Kootenai County in three ways - spay and neuter efforts, pet owners in need and tuition reimbursement to Washington State University graduates advancing their careers in veterinary science.

When and why did you start the J. Kirk Foundation and Animal Assistance League?

I started it in 2010. I wanted to leave a legacy for my husband (the late Loren A. Kirk) and myself. I have a love for animals.

They seem so helpless and misunderstood to me at times. I've been involved with animals all my life.

How was the foundation developed and how does it work?

Phil Morgan (the former Kootenai Humane Society director) was the author for me. He's the secretary and treasurer. The assistance that is given is based on the interest of the foundation. It is going well. I wish that I could do more. The need is there. After I die, there will be a lot more money available. Phil and Chris Morgan will take it over. I've had high school alumni in Indiana who have contributed to it. The website jkirkfoundation.org tells all about it and how to donate.

What is your background and how did that lead to your love for animals?

I grew up in Sunman, Ind., and went to a two-room schoolhouse. We lived off the land. Back in those days we didn't have electricity and dad plowed the fields with horses. I helped mom sell the animals and that was hard. As a child, I became attached to them. Those things still hurt.

How did you get hooked up with volunteering for PFPD?

I would have never chosen the police department, but after my husband died, I kept getting calls about orientation so I went and found it very interesting. I love this police department and I have high respect for it.

What keeps you coming back?

The people are very kind and I like the work. The training programs are also very informative. I had no idea what all was involved with police work. I've lived in Post Falls since 1981 and this is the best place in the world to live - the people, climate, city and police department are all great.

How many volunteer hours have you logged with the police department?

I'm on my way to 7,000.

What is your church involvement?

I was ill this summer, so I had to drop out of Connections (a ministry that assists people get connected with different ministries at the church). But I still host a home group. This will be my third year. We not only study and worship together, we go into the community to help out.

Being a retired registered nurse, it seems like that experience has translated into how you serve your community today.

Being a nurse, I can do a lot of things and even assist people at the doctor's office to ask questions. I enjoy helping in my neighborhood when needed.

You've been described by some people who know you as being humble. So what is something that most people don't know about Jackie Kirk?

I can't think of anything. I don't do anything special.