Show of force

COEUR d’ALENE — First, 11-year-old Russell Covey sat in the back seat of ABLE1, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, on Tuesday.

Then, brother Bradley Covey, 8, climbed into the front seat.

Deputy Aaron Roach spent time with both, outlining the capabilities of the helicopter and situations it could be called into action.

The brothers were delighted.

“They love this kind of stuff,” said Laura Hartman, the boys’ grandmother. “We have so much respect for these men and women. It’s good to show the boys these are jobs they can aspire to.”

The Covey boys were among about 30 people at Higgens Point for the KCSO’s public showcase of specialty units on a windy afternoon.

People saw a marine boat chase down a man illegally operating a personal watercraft on Lake Coeur d’Alene in one scenario. In another, the K-9 team of Deputy Robert Imthurn and Luuki, a Belgian Malinois, quickly found contraband hidden under an orange cone. 

The highlight was the arrival of ABLE1, which plays a crucial role in KCSO’s operations and enhancing public safety. 

Visitors heard about SWAT and patrol units, dive rescue and sonar, backcountry and drones, all part of the KCSO’s resources.

“We have dedicated countless hours to training these units to better serve and protect the residents of Kootenai County and we are eager to showcase their capabilities,” a press release said.

KCSO Lt. Erik Hedlund said their coverage area includes lakes, mountains and rivers, so they need a variety of resources.

He jokingly referred to them as new toys, but added, “Obviously, they’re not. They’re valuable assets.”

ABLE1 and K-9 units were involved Monday in a search for a missing 3-year-old at Fourth of July pass. The child was found safe.

The KCSO is gearing up for summer.

“We always expect it to be very busy,” Hedlund said. “We don’t ever expect everything to be calm. We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

Citizens were impressed and said KCSO’s personnel deserved state-of-the-art equipment.

“Law enforcement is paramount,” Nathaniel Ludlow said.

Judy Ludlow was pleased by the teamwork on display.

“They’re all working together and that’s best for the protection of the people,” she said.

Jana Castelan liked the marine unit display on the lake.

“I’d like to see them come down here more often," she said. "There’s a lot of people who come here from Washington and they don’t obey the laws.”

Michael Castelan credited Sheriff Bob Norris for doing what he could to get his staff the tools they needed to enforce the laws.

“I love what Norris is doing. I really do,” he said.

    A KCSO marine unit chases a personal watercraft on Lake Coeur d'Alene in a practice run for the public at Higgens Point on Tuesday.
  

    KCSO Deputy Aaron Roach talks to Bradley Covey as he sits in ABLE1, KCSO's helicopter, at Higgens Point on Tuesday.
  

    KCSO Deputy Harvey Ballman and Appa, a Belgian Malinois, share a moment at Higgens Point on Tuesday.