ISP to rededicate Linda Huff memorial garden
Scouting America Troop #222 of Coeur d’Alene led recent efforts to restore the Linda Huff Memorial Rose Garden. Photo courtesy of Idaho State Police.
COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho State Police is rededicating the newly restored Cpl. Linda Huff Memorial Rose Garden this week, 28 years after Huff died in the line of duty.
The ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday in the memorial garden behind the Idaho Transportation Department facility at 602 W. Prairie Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. The public is welcome to attend. A reception will follow at the ISP District 1 Office, 615 W. Wilbur Ave.
Friends and coworkers established the garden following Huff’s death June 17, 1998. That night, an individual ambushed Huff outside the ISP District 1 office in Coeur d’Alene. The attacker had come to the office with the intention of killing a police officer, according to the ISP.
Though she sustained multiple gunshot wounds, Huff returned fire and wounded her attacker before succumbing to her injuries.
“Linda’s sacrifice represents the highest ideals of public service and reminds us of the risks law enforcement officers face while protecting their communities,” said Capt. Paul Berger, commander of ISP District 1. “Memorials like this ensure Linda’s service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
The memorial garden recently underwent a significant restoration effort, led by Scouting America Troop No. 222 of Coeur d’Alene. Troop members volunteered their time and labor to clean, revitalize and preserve the memorial site.
“We are especially grateful to the members of Scouting America Troop No. 222 for their hard work restoring this memorial and helping preserve her legacy for future generations,” Berger said.
At the time of Huff’s death, she had served with ISP for 14 months. In a news release, ISP described her as a respected colleague known for her professionalism, compassion and commitment to serving others.
“Cpl. Huff’s actions demonstrated extraordinary courage and likely prevented additional loss of life,” the agency said in a statement.
Huff was survived by her husband, Chad Huff, who was also a state trooper, and three children.
In May 2005, Huff was posthumously awarded the first Idaho Law Enforcement and Firefighting Medal of Honor. The ISP District 1 office in Coeur d’Alene bears her name today.