In the Main Street column this week, Kerri Thoreson comments:

On Friday morning, the day after a dozen Dallas police officers were shot and five were killed, I was at our local police station for a meeting. There, in the place where men and women come to work every day wearing the uniform of the Post Falls Police and head out to protect and serve, it was somber as the flag in front of the building was lowered to half staff.

As a citizen and also in my capacity as a city councilor I've always held our department in high regard. They hold themselves to a high standard. I know them. They are good people who do not take lightly the important role they have in maintaining the safety and order of our community. They are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. They are in the prime of their lives, personally and professionally. They are our neighbors and our friends. This week they are not only grieving for fellow officers but concerned about how every one of these incidents in other states and communities affects their ability to effectively do their jobs ... and return safely home to their families at the end of a shift. More here.