Community stands up for fallen hero

May the first be the last.

That’s our fervent wish today as we reflect on the shooting death of Sgt. Greg Moore two years ago. He was the first Coeur d’Alene Police officer killed in the line of duty.

Others have been seriously hurt, including the honorable Mike Kralicek, who was shot in the face in 2004 and made a miraculous recovery, thanks to tremendous medical care and a world-class wife, Carrie. But Moore has the tragic distinction of being the first — and, we hope, the last — Coeur d’Alene officer killed while protecting the rest of us.

It would be an understatement to suggest that today, local hearts go out to Sgt. Moore’s family. The truth is, local hearts have not stopped going out to Lindy and the kids over the past 730 days. Complete strangers shed bitter tears at the family’s loss. Hundreds, maybe thousands, donated money to the family. We’re thinking about a photo of a coffee stand fundraiser where a young man in a truck is handing over a $50 bill for the cause, and there were many, many others who shared generously.

But no amount of money can wipe that slate clean. Greg Moore’s place at the family table remains empty while the community hungers for justice.

In the meantime, Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer is leading an effort to honor Sgt. Moore specifically and other fallen officers with a water memorial at McEuen Park. For information or to donate, contact Tracy Meyers at panhandleparks@gmail.com or visit www.panhandleparksfoundation.org.

The week of May 15 is Police Week, a time when local, state and federal law enforcers are honored for their service and sacrifice. But around here, the honor is ongoing. We will keep the memory of Sgt. Greg Moore to help us remember.