EDITORIAL: 'Never forget K27'

Monday is an opportunity for this community to pay respects and remember Coeur d'Alene Police Department Sgt. Greg Moore. It is our chance to say thank you to a man who gave his life protecting this city. Let's make his family and our Coeur d'Alene Police Department proud by coming out for a procession in his honor on Monday.

For those who don't know, Greg Moore was killed in the line of duty on May 5, 2015. 

On the 10th anniversary of his death, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department will be having a private graveside memorial with his family on Monday morning at Forest Cemetery. Afterward, there will be a procession, expected to start about 9:30, to the Sgt. Greg Moore Memorial at McEuen Park for a public memorial. 

Here's where the community comes in. We would love to see thousands line the procession route, which will begin at Forest Cemetery on Government Way and travel south to Northwest Boulevard. Vehicles will travel east on Sherman Avenue to Seventh Street, south on Seventh to Front Avenue and west on Front, stopping near Fourth Street.

Imagine what it would mean to Moore's family and police if the process route was filled with citizens. It's a simple way to let them know this community has not forgotten this man's sacrifice. 

Sgt. Moore certainly deserves it.

He was a man loved by many, respected by all. His death came when he was on patrol in response to several car break-ins and stopped a suspicious man. That man shot Moore, stole his patrol car and fled before being caught. Moore was taken to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.

Police have a dangerous job. They respond to situations not knowing who or what they might face. Yet, without hesitation, they do so. It's certainly not for money, as we all know police officers aren't wealthy. What we also know is they care not just for their families, their friends and their colleagues, but the communities and people they swore to protect. They care to the point of putting their lives on the line.

Moore, in his 14 years with the Coeur d'Alene Police Department, did this very, very well. Those who knew him say he was strong and courageous, a man of leadership and integrity, committed to his role as a police officer. A husband and father of two, he knew of and accepted the risks that came with being in law enforcement.

Our former mayor, Steve Widmyer, said this about Moore:

“We as a community remember those members of law enforcement across the country who have given their lives in the line of duty. We respect all past, current and future law enforcement who are at great risk in serving the public. And we honor Sgt. Greg Moore, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our community. We will never forget K27.”

We couldn't agree more.