Sgt. Moore's footprints continue

COEUR d’ALENE — Before Jonathan Renfro’s murder trial began two years ago, attorneys in a Coeur d’Alene courtroom asked potential jurors whether a K27 bumper sticker graced their car windows, or if they knew anyone who owned the decal.

The significance of the stickers, a small memorial to fallen Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Greg Moore, wasn’t lost on defense counsel.

The decals, which represent Moore’s police call number, are just one of the many reminders of a senseless killing that rallied a community.

It’s been four years to the day since the police sergeant and father of two was shot to death at night during a routine neighborhood patrol near Atlas Road.

Renfro was sentenced to death for the killing. Last year, a bigger tangible tribute — called the K27 Memorial — dedicated to Moore, his family and fallen officers across the nation was unveiled at McEuen Park.

At the ceremony, Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White said the community’s dedication to the project showed how intertwined police lives were with the lives of those they serve.

The degree to which a slain officer is mourned varies from city to city, White said last week in a Press interview.

In some places, as the years trickle away, only family members and fellow police remember fallen officers.

“Our community is different,” White said. “Our city understands that the police and the community are in this together, that we work cooperatively to keep each other safe and the impact of a loss such as Greg’s takes much more time to reconcile.”

The memorial with its three waterfalls is illuminated in blue. It represents the natural world, something dear to Moore, who loved the outdoors and earned a wildlife biology degree before he became a lawman.

The tranquility of the scene is also a place of fellowship for family, friends and the community, said architect Jon Mueller, who designed the memorial.

It’s a place for Moore’s children to come and be with their dad, Mueller said.

“We hope people will understand the significance of this,” he said. “It’s significant for the public and the family.”

Four years after Moore’s death, White’s words continue to ring true, and as the water at the K27 Memorial splashes and gurgles, the support of the community for its police forces remains just as vigorous.

Dan Mattos, Kootenai County’s undersheriff, said Moore’s death cemented the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

“I have worked in law enforcement for over 40 years, in three different jurisdictions, and have never seen a singular event ever polarize a community in such a positive way as this one,” Mattos said. “To this day, I challenge anyone to drive around town and not see a K27 sticker on the back of a car.”

The stickers are a testament to Greg Moore, Mattos said.

“But, also a testament to what this community is all about,” he said.

Coeur d’Alene Police Capt. Lee Brainard said that before Moore’s death, the people in his department always assumed local residents were supportive of the department and police work in general, but it wasn’t until the tragic killing of one of their officers that it became apparent.

“Prior to losing Greg, we suspected that the silent majority supported us,” Brainard said. “The public response we experienced when we lost Greg, removed and continues to remove all doubt.”

A memorial scholarship for children of Kootenai County law enforcement and firefighters who want to follow in their parents’ footsteps was established in Moore’s name through North Idaho College. The Sunrise Rotary Club of Walla Walla, where Moore grew up and where his dad was a police captain, was among those donating to the fund.

Moore, who served 14 years on the Coeur d’Alene department as a patrol officer, field training officer and school resource officer, is survived by his wife, Lindy, and two children, Dylon and Gemma.

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer, who was a friend of Moore’s, was instrumental in getting the memorial dedicated at McEuen to honor a man dedicated to his family and public service.

“We will always remember that on that day Lindy Moore lost her husband, Dylon and Gemma lost their father, Fred and Sherri Moore lost their son, Fred Jr. and Christopher lost their brother, many lost a beloved friend,” Widmyer said.

Moore’s killing impacted the police department in different ways.

Some officers left the department after the killing, White said. Others shouldered the loss and stayed.

But even after four years, Sgt. Johann Schmitz said the department feels the community’s support.

“We are so thankful for every show of appreciation, every K27 sticker we see and the beautiful McEuen memorial,” Schmitz said. “They serve to remind us that our service is appreciated and, more importantly, that Greg’s legacy is alive and well.”