Luncheon to raise funds for dive, sonar team

A private luncheon to honor the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Dive and Sonar Team is scheduled Wednesday.

Most recently they were activated when a mid-air collision of two small aircraft over Lake Coeur d’Alene occurred last month, claiming eight lives.

“But there are dozens of other incidents where the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Dive and Sonar Team has had to respond to tragedy,” a press release said.

That’s why local business and community leaders have sponsored a luncheon to recognize the dive and sonar team and to bring awareness to the need for updated equipment.

“It wasn’t until recent deployments and the collision of two small aircraft in deep water was it apparent that the dive and sonar team did not have the needed equipment to perform its job here in the community,” the release said.

“This is a perfect example of how we can raise money for new equipment without laying the burden on county taxpayers,” said Bob Norris, winner of the Republican primary race for sheriff.