Veterans Bell damage not malicious; couple was trying to ring it and it fell

The city of Coeur d'Alene released new information about the recent damage to the Veterans Bell at McEuen Park.

Newly found video shows there was no malicious intent by a couple who were trying to ring the bell.

Based on information from the public, on Oct. 26 the Coeur d’Alene Police Department was able to find video showing that at 5:22 p.m. Oct. 22 a male and female appeared to be attempting to ring the bell. As they tried to ring it, and the man looked underneath it for a clapper, the bell fell to the ground and was fractured.

Because there does not appear to have been malicious intent, and after seeking advice from the its insurer, the city has discontinued seeking the couple as no crime has occurred.

This appears to have been an unfortunate accident, and while people should not be touching the bell, the City is aware it occurs often, likely triggering the defect that caused the bell to fall.

The City’s Parks & Recreation Department is working with local company Allied Weldery to make at temporary repairs to the bell in order to get it back up for Veterans Day. The City knows this artifact is an important icon for the community and especially our local veterans.

The Parks & Recreation Department intends to have the bell completely solidified to its frame so that it can no longer move at all. Due to previous vandalism, the bell was allowed a little bit of give to preserve the frame, which had cracked in the past.

The repair may be much less than originally thought - about $2,500.

The City and the Panhandle Parks & Recreation Foundation are working on a way for people to donate to repair of the bell after an outpouring of interest to help. The City is grateful to both our community members and people nationwide who have expressed dismay and have wanted to support the repair.