Parade of gratitude

Police, fire, medical vehicles show support for health care workers

COEUR d’ALENE — Jerri Groll sat alone and watched the stream of emergency vehicles passing by on Ironwood Drive Wednesday.

For the adult behavorial health unit worker, it was a tribute that touched her heart.

“Almost to tears,” she said. “It’s nice to be recognized in the hard times.”

Hundreds came out for the parade of about 50 police, sheriff, fire, and medical emergency vehicles on a cloudy afternoon as they traveled from the old Shopko parking lot and drove to Kootenai Health, where masked doctors, nurses and other staff members greeted them with waves, smiles and thank yous.

It was a short but inspired gathering. Those in the parade and those watching offered words of encouragement and applauded each other.

People sat on car hoods and lawns, stood at corners and lined the entry way to Kootenai Health as vehicles filed by and a Spokane Sheriff Air-1 flew overhead. Some passersby honked car horns in response to the colorful show of force that included police from Rathdrum and Spirit Lake.

“Kootenai Health is a great place and we’ve been working really hard,” said Kathy Gemar, director of laboratory services. “It’s just every day there is a change, ‘Here’s the new thing we found.’ To just have somebody take the time to organize this is very cool.”

She said the days have been long and challenging during the coronavirus that has left Kootenai County with 60 cases.

“Something to lighten your day is really great,” Gemar said.

The Emergency Operations Center, in coordination with Kootenai County law enforcement, fire, and Emergency Management Services participated in the “First Responder Parade of Emergency Vehicles” in appreciation for health care professionals.

Traffic was temporarily stopped at U.S. 95 and Ironwood Drive as vehicles crossed the intersection and went around the hospital. The vehicles then parked and displayed their lights as a show of support.

Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger said health care workers have been at the front line in the battle against the coronavirus and many have been infected.

“There have been protests against them across this country and we want to show them that’s not the way it is here in North Idaho,” he said shortly before the parade started at 2 p.m.

Kevin Ward, a Spirit Lake police officer, said it was important to have the emergency responders there.

“We’re all in this together. This is a big team effort,” he said.

“I think it’s just a big morale booster for everybody,” Ward added.

KCSO Deputy Ron Broesch said it was a great opportunity for law officers and emergency responders to show their gratitude for those in health care.

“The hospital staff and medical personnel help us out and take care of us a lot of the time, especially right now,” he said. “They’re the ones that are actually handling this.”

Many citizens came out for the parade, as well.

Bruce and Annette Phillips stood together on Ironwood Drive across from Kootenai Health.

Bruce said his son, Seth, is a deputy sheriff in Wisconsin and is putting in 16- to 17-hour days. And their neighbor, Annette said, is with the fire department.

“I like it,” Bruce said, grinning as emergency vehicles began coming down the street.

Mom Dolores Johnson and daughter Karleah Mangano read about the parade in The Press Tuesday and sat in a car waiting for it to start.

“I’m thankful for everything that they do, every day,” Mangano said.

“I feel the same,” Johnson added. “I thought, ‘Well here is our chance to show them, get behind them, support them.’ They’re right up front and center.”

Tammy Butler, who works in Kootenai Health laboratory services, had just a few words for what the parade meant to her.

“Wonderful. Awesome. Cheerful,” she said. “Very appreciated.”