Shirt Sales Help Slain Officer’s Family Idaho Woman Shows Support For Law Enforcement

Linda Purier has learned that one person can make a difference.

She has raised more than $1,200 for the family of slain Boise policeman Mark Stall by selling special T-shirts.

At first, she had more modest plans. “After watching Mark Stall’s funeral I went home and decided that I was going to have a shirt printed up to show my support for police officers,” she said.

She decided to have six shirts printed for personal use. But by the time they were ready, she already had sold them to friends and family.

As word got around what she was doing, Purier said she got an “absolutely overwhelming” response.

She wound up purchasing 423 T-shirts. As of midweek, she had 89 left.

The shirts carry Stall’s name and the statement, “I support my Idaho law enforcement officers.” They cost a minimum of $10 but many people contribute more. The $1,200 she has come up with so far includes $124 in additional donations.

Purier hopes to be finished by the end of this month. So far, she hasn’t met with Cheryl Stall, Mark Stall’s widow. Purier said a face-to-face session won’t come until all the shirts are sold and she can hand Stall a check.

Cheryl Stall said she’s been overwhelmed by the dozens of fund-raisers held to benefit her and her two young daughters. “I take it as the community showing support, not for my family alone, but for law enforcement. I’m very thankful,” she said.

A trust fund was set up at Idaho First Security Bank branches after the Sept. 20 shootout that claimed the lives of Stall and two young brothers from Pennsylvania.

“The account has done extremely well,” said Lori Moffit of the Overland and Five Mile First Security branch. “A lot of people made donations at first, but now it has tapered off.

She wouldn’t say how much money is in the account.

Purier said shirts have been sold in Oregon, Texas and eastern Idaho. Canyon County Prosecutor Dave Young bought 10 shirts.

“I think the Boise Police Department has been unfairly attacked by the news media,” Young said. “This is a good way to show support and particularly for the Stall family.”