Rathdrum Prairie News: Remarkable heroes walk among us everyday

There are many kinds of heroes. There are those noted for feats of courage, those with nobility of purpose, and those who are recognized for special achievement. Despite the fact we often look at prominent people as heroes, the truth is, there are remarkable heroes all around us.

Rathdrum Police Chief Kevin Fuhr recently recognized three officers for their heroism in saving trapped residents in an apartment during a Fourth of July fire at the Shady Bar and Grill in Rathdrum. Kootenai County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Meehan and Rathdrum officers Brandon Friis and Glenda Hook, all arrived at the building within a couple of minutes following a 911 call.

With no firetrucks in sight, the three took extraordinary measures to save three residents from their smoke-filled apartment before it became engulfed in flames. “These people put themselves in harm’s way to get these people out,” Fuhr said. “They could have waited for a firetruck, but they elected to get to work and get these people out.”

“Last July, Rathdrum/ Spirit Lake Special Olympian, Kurk Grogan, was chosen as a North American representative of the Special Olympic Torch Run. He traveled to Washington, D.C., and stood alongside President Bush as the Special Olympics World Summer Games “Flame of Hope” continued its 22,000-mile, global journey to Shanghai, China.

Grogan, who will compete in three events – shot put, 100-meter dash and 4x100 relay – will join fellow Special Olympians, Chad Schaff of Twin Lakes (cycling), and Steve Mitchell and Tamara Topps, of Coeur d’Alene (bowling) for the trip of a lifetime on Sept. 25 when they leave for the 2007 Special Olympics.

Grogan and the others qualified for the world competition during state competition in Boise. With a 40.5-foot shot put average, Grogan is hoping to beat the World Special Olympic record of 41 feet.

“Two soldiers, whose parents live in the area, were recently awarded the Bronze Star, given for courage under fire. Staff Sgt. Jason Kimberling, son of Rathdrum residents Ronald and Virginia Kimberling, received the Bronze Star with valor and the Army Commendation Medal for actions he took in August, 2006 that resulted in the withdrawal of enemy forces and the safety of his security forces convoy team.

Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Hinz, son of Patti Hinz, of Coeur d’Alene, was awarded the Bronze Star while deployed in Afghanistan for meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a training team senior mentor to the Afghan National Army, Hinz led troops during riots in Kabul, and later trained Afghan military and civilian personnel.

“Vernon Baker was honored at a service in St. Maries recently, where he accepted a Medal of Honor Flag, a set of general’s stars and a plaque in honor of being inducted into the Girls and Boys Town Hall of History. Baker, who is the only living black World War II soldier to receive the Medal of Honor, lived at the home for neglected and abused children for three years in the early 1930s. Awarded the Medal of Honor just 10 years ago, Baker was recognized for his bravery decades after his “extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy.” Baker’s biography, “Lasting Valor,” offers a glimpse into his life.

“A little more controversial hero was also honored recently when the name of the Coeur d’Alene Air Terminal was changed to the Coeur d’Alene Airport/Pappy Boyington Field, in recognition of WW II hero, “Pappy” George Boyington. Born in Coeur d’Alene and raised in St. Maries for a few years, Boyington received both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his exploits as a “Flying Tiger” in China and as commander of the U.S. Marine Corps squadron, The Black Sheep Squadron. His exploits became known to Americans through the 1970s television show “Baa Baa Black Sheep.”

These are but a few of our local heroes. There are others – those serving in the military – and many more whose names are not known as they go about doing the everyday work of heroes with courage, noble purpose and accomplishment.