Deputy honored for volunteer service
<p>Special Olympics Idaho athletes surprised Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy, Alana Hunt, with a plaque and card for her 22 years of volunteerism with Special Olympics Idaho. From left to right: Steven Kirsebom, Anthony King, Trevor Kirsebom, Adina Watkins, Mark Pennestri, Blake Goodsen, Jesse Christensen, Alana Hunt, Emily Colgrove, Jim Kinnard, Jacob Watkins and Sarah McFeeley.</p>
Kootenai County Sheriff's Deputy Alana Hunt has volunteered with Special Olympics Idaho for 22 years.
In recognition of her years of dedication, several Special Olympics Idaho athletes surprised Hunt on July 6 with a plaque and cards thanking her for her countless volunteer hours.
Hunt has been a driving force for fundraising, coaching, mentoring and recognizing Special Olympics athletes and the special needs community. Through the years, Hunt has spearheaded several fundraising events, such as the annual Tip-a-Cop, Penguin Plunge, and Fueling Dreams. She also coached track and field, snow-shoeing and bowling events for the local Special Olympics athletes and cheered their accomplishments at every event.
Hunt has been a member of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. She has served in a variety of collateral positions, which include the Drug Task Force, Detectives Division and DARE. She has also been an inaugural member of the annual Holidays and Heroes event and helped with several years of the Christmas Crusade bike program.
Jann Kinnard, parent of a Special Olympics athlete, described Hunt as "priceless," as do those who work with Hunt at the sheriff's office.