Keep the birthday cards coming

COEUR d’ALENE — You still have time to wish Mike Kralicek a happy birthday.

Family friend Karen Kastning recently asked the community to send cards, gift cards and other wishes in honor of Kralicek’s birthday Aug. 20. 

While cards have been coming in, Kastning is hoping for even more.

“I want him to feel so loved by our community,” Kastning said.

Kralicek was a 35-year-old Coeur d’Alene police officer Dec. 28, 2004, when he was shot at close range after responding to a call. The bullet struck him in the right cheek, caused catastrophic injuries and left him permanently disabled. 

Kralicek and his wife, Carrie, moved to Oregon to be near family, and as Mike recovered, he did motivational speaking and urged emergency responders to be prepared for injury in the line of duty. They later returned to Coeur d’Alene, where they live today. 

Kastning wants Kralicek to receive thousands of birthday cards that let him know his service to the community has not been forgotten. 

“I just felt like they need some love from the community,” she said. 

Coeur d'Alene Councilman and soon-to-be mayor Woody McEvers likes the idea of paying tribute to Kralicek on his birthday.

“Community support would probably go a long way to make sure he knows we haven't forgotten him or what happened,” McEvers said.  

Along with cards, Kastning would love it if folks could contribute a gift.

“Anything that anybody has it in their heart to do,” Kastning said. 

Send cards to: Officer Kralicek, C/O Bold 4 Blue Idaho, 9030 N. Hess, No. 205, Hayden, ID 83835.