Kootenai County man donates $10K to Shoshone County sheriff

WALLACE — In the wake of budgetary issues, a silver lining has appeared for the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.  

On Tuesday, a Kootenai County man donated $10,000 to the small department, earmarked specifically for its K-9 unit.  

Russ McLain recently moved his mother into an assisted living facility after years as a resident of the city of Wallace. After spending time in the community, McLain decided to give back to a department that he said served her well.  

“My mom’s been living out there, safe and comfortable, for almost 30 years,” McLain said. “I met the sheriff, she’s wonderful. People are lucky to have her.”  

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey was humbled by the generosity of a man that she only briefly had encountered, but both left a lasting impression on one another.  

McLain likened Lindsey’s approach to that of former Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger.  

“She’s smooth and cool, polite and respectful,” McLain said. “She’s like a Wolfinger. He had style and was nobody’s baby. The sheriff and her undersheriff took the time to meet with me. They’re both good people and I wish them the best.”  

McLain said he appreciates the efforts made by the canine deputies and their handlers when they are called to action.  

“I like how the dogs are an unconditional service,” McLain said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s for sniffing out drugs or finding missing kids or lost backcountry skiers. They’re out there helping somebody.”

After receiving the check, Lindsey couldn’t help but get emotional when discussing how good it felt to know that the work of her department was being noticed.   

“It made me feel like all we’re doing and all the stress that comes with it is worth it,” Lindsey said. “Because if people from outside of our community can see it, I’m confident that people in our community are seeing it.”  

“He told me that what we have here is special and that we need to do whatever we have to to protect it,” Undersheriff Lance Stutzke said as he recalled his discussion with McLain.  

The timing of McLain’s donation couldn’t be better. Longtime SCSO K-9 Deputy Lulu will be retiring soon and according to Lindsey, the $10,000 will cover the cost of a new dog.  

The SCSO is working with the clerk’s office to open a special trust account allowing them to take in earmarked funds, including donations and grants.   

“I know their budget is tight and I wanted to help them in some way,” McLain said. “You can’t take all and give nothing back. We’re not pirates.”