SPOKANE, Wash. — Several first responders in North Idaho gathered on Friday to not only stay fit, but also support the families of one another.
The Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation hosted its 12th annual charity bike ride at Peak Health and Wellness in Coeur d'Alene. The event, which raises money for the foundation, features 12-person teams taking shifts riding stationary bikes for a 12-hour period. Each team secured sponsorship dollars as part of the event that aims to benefit the families of first responders.
On Friday afternoon, a group of police, firefighters, and other responders pedaled (and sweated) away on a series of spin bikes with the guidance of an instructor.
"This is awesome. With everything going on right now, this is amazing," said volunteer Tabitha Kraack, who is the daughter of a Coeur d'Alene Police officer. "Everyone is rallying here. We've had full bikes every hour."
The Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation raises funds to support first responder families during times of hardship. "The Memorial Foundation executes annual fundraising opportunities with the intent of building first responders social awareness within Kootenai County and our surrounding community, articulating the critical needs of first responders who experience unforeseen catastrophes through grant making," reads a statement on the non-profit's website.
For many riders, Friday's charity ride held extra significance following the shooting of a Post Falls Police officer last week. The officer, Sgt. Justin Anderson, was shot in his abdomen while attempting to serve a search warrant. He has since been released from the hospital.
"When tragedies like that happen, it's when money from this helps these officers or firefighters," said Kracck.
Additionally, a silent auction at the charity ride was raising funds for the foundation. Part of the foundation's missing also involves providing scholarship opportunities for the families of first responders.
"My heart is in this," said Kracck. "Also with the officer being shot, this is the time we really rally around our police officers here in Kootenai County."
