RESCUE: Thanks to those who saved my wife

My wife recently completed chemotherapy and suffered its ravages. Fortunately, it was effective. However, has left my wife confused.  

One evening in early September, my wife took her dog for a short walk on the Fourth of July trails. She failed to return as expected and searching for her, I located her vehicle. 

 It was already late in the evening, my attempts to locate her were unsuccessful. After nightfall, fearing the worst. I contacted the 911 requesting assistance. In no time, the Sheriff’s officers of the Kootenai County Search and Rescue arrived.  I was impressed with their genuine concern, professionalism, technology, and outstanding skills.  

All of this however, failed to locate my wife. They summoned the assistance of ABLE 1 helicopter search and rescue team. Fortunately, about midnight using infrared technology ABLE 1 located my wife, miles from rescuers and her car.  

She had been missing (walking) for over seven hours. Dehydrated, bruised, but not broken she was returned to me. I would like to thank everyone involved. Especially, the 911 operator who called repeatedly to keep me informed, the Kootenai County Search and Rescue personnel on the ground, the Kootenai County Regional Air Support ABLE 1 crew who located my wife, and Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris for the foresight, desire and ability to provide this level of public assistance and safety to the residents and guests of Kootenai County.  

MICHAEL E. WIGLE

Coeur d’Alene