Helicopter challenge lifts off

COEUR d’ALENE — Jim and Missy Hightower, owners of several local Domino’s franchises, were surprised when they found out that the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t own a helicopter.

The Hightowers want to help change that. They donated $500 to the helicopter fund last week and are challenging other local business owners to contribute, too.

“Together we can get there a lot faster," Jim Hightower said.

KCSO Deputy Nick Franssen said the helicopter program is essentially self-funded, which is why KCSO has asked the private sector for help. The department will be able to handle long-term issues, like maintenance and storage, he said, but needs money to buy the helicopter.

According to Robinson Helicopter Company out of Torrance, Calif., their R66 Turbine Police Helicopter costs about $1.4 million.

For the past few years KCSD has contracted with Spokane to use their helicopter on occasion, Franssen said.

Having a helicopter is an incredible force multiplier, Franssen said. Searching for missing children, vulnerable adults and lost hikers becomes much more successful with a helicopter.

It also helps when tracking down criminals.

“Because looking at me, it’s easy to get away from me,” Franssen said. “But looking at a helicopter, you can’t really outrun that.”

A helicopter can keep the public safe at large events like the Fourth of July, he said, and would be used for Life Flight purposes.

The Hightowers said this community supports them, and they want to reciprocate.

“Small business is the backbone of our community. It always has been,” Franssen said. “Not only do I appreciate this on a personal level, but on a professional level I wish I could adequately describe what the ability to have an air unit will do for us.”

To donate: 208-446-1300