Hundreds pay tribute to Sgt. Greg Moore

COEUR d'ALENE — There was a brief moment Thursday evening when hundreds of blue balloons released from Independence Point to honor the memory of Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Greg Moore formed a thin blue line in the sky.

The thin blue line, a symbol used around the world to represent law enforcement’s role as protectors in communities, marked the end of a day of tributes that took place in Coeur d'Alene on the one-year anniversary of Moore's death. Earlier in the day, hundreds of law enforcement officers representing multiple agencies, first responders, government officials and residents gathered at the Fallen Heroes Plaza in Cherry Hill Park to honor Moore's memory during a brief ceremony.

Rodney Wright, a pastor at Lake City Community Church and longtime friend of Moore, began the ceremony by stating that "a good name is remembered long after someone is gone."

"And that is true of Greg Moore," Wright said. "His name and his service was such a gift to this community. His life was truly a gift and we have wonderful memories to be thankful for of a life lived in service."

Wright added that he loved the heart Moore had for serving the community, calling it a gift to everyone. He also encouraged attendees to honor Moore's memory by helping others.

"And let's start doing that today," Wright said.

After leading attendees in a moment of silence, Wright concluded his remarks.

"Greg we remember you, we miss you, and oh how genuinely thankful we are for you," he said. "Thank you for your example of other-centered, self-giving, love."

Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer began his remarks by calling the men and women of law enforcement "our heroes." He also offered a message to them, not just from himself, but from the entire community.

"We are forever grateful for your service," Widmyer said. "Thank you for risking your lives so we may live ours — we will never forget that."

Widmyer spoke of the community's collective grief in the wake of Moore's tragic death. He also spoke of how, in the moments and days following the shooting, the members of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department honored Moore "in a way Greg would have honored each of you."

"They showed courage and they showed strength, by putting on their uniforms and protecting and serving all of us," Widmyer said.

"We will always remember the ultimate sacrifice Greg made and forever honor his service to us," the mayor concluded.

Coeur d'Alene Police Department Chief Lee White was last to address attendees, and said it was a great privilege to stand alongside public servants to pay tribute to all those that have given everything.

"Our profession is hazardous, and the reminders of that danger are too common," White said, adding that, in 2016 alone, 34 police officers throughout the nation have lost their lives in the line of duty. "We knew them as cops. We knew them as parents, friends and neighbors. But we remember them as something more."

For many years, White said the Coeur d'Alene Police Department has participated in Law Enforcement Memorial Week, a national week of remembrance for officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. But this year, White said, has "special and solemn significance" that prompted the department to hold its annual ceremony a week in advance as a way to honor Moore.

"One thing is extremely clear," White said. "The police and the community are in this together, and our relationship is forever stronger because of Greg's sacrifice. May their service and sacrifice inspire us to do justice to their memory and the ideals they held dear."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees stood in silence as "Taps" was played.

Around 5:45 p.m., hundreds of residents began congregating at Independence Point, where they were handed a blue, biodegradable balloon by one of several volunteers. The event was organized by Brenda Knight, a Coeur d'Alene resident and Post Falls Police officer.

Knight told The Press that more than 200 balloons were handed out by volunteers. Before those balloons were released, attendees were encouraged to gather and share memories of Moore while music played.

"How about tonight we make the commitment to help, to love, and to serve each other," Wright said to the crowd just before encouraging them to use the release of their balloon as a way to release their sorrow, while holding on to positive memories.