Moore memorial tally is $30K; $720K to go

COEUR d'ALENE — Mayor Steve Widmyer said he’ll do just about anything to raise money for the $750,000 planned water feature memorial at McEuen Park honoring fallen Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Greg Moore.

“The mayor has committed to selling pencils on the side of the street if he has to,” said retired Sgt. Christie Wood.

They’ll need to be expensive pencils.

Widmyer said Friday the fundraising campaign, which started in May, has brought in a little over $30,000.

“A majority of that comes from those $27 or $54 donations,” he said.

Widmyer said he divided the funds needed by 27 — a nod to Moore's "K27" call sign — and determined if 27,777 donations of that amount were contributed, the "$27 for K27" campaign would be successful. But that doesn’t mean much larger donations are unwelcome. The campaign needs another $720,000.

Landscape architect Jon Mueller designed the planned water feature and said he took inspiration from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The water feature will include three 8-foot waterfalls that run into a stream called "Thin Blue Line," which meanders into a reflective pool.

There will be an area near the pool for visitors to sit and reflect. Moore will be memorialized with the waterfalls, which will represent the police mantra of "respect, honor, remember."

Wood, the former police sergeant who is helping Widmyer lead the fundraising campaign, told The Press volunteers will be at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene on Aug. 15 to ask the community for donations during a free public safety event. She added she’s thankful for the support the project has already received from residents and those outside Coeur d'Alene as well.

"We wouldn't be moving forward at all with this if certain individuals hadn't stepped up so much," Wood said. "But we are still hoping that more businesses will come up with a Sgt. Moore Day kind of plan so we can fund raise because, honestly, we have a lot more we need to do."

A bank account has been set up through the Panhandle Parks Foundation at Community First Bank to accept contributions. Donations can be dropped off at any branch. Donors can also visit the Coeur d’Alene Police Department Facebook site or the Coeur d’Alene Police Officers Association Facebook site to access WeFund4U.com and make a donation with a debit or credit card.

Contributions can be sent to: Sgt. Moore Memorial, 710 Mullan Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Local businesses wanting to participate can contact Widmyer, Wood or Coeur d’Alene Police Association President Nick Lowry at (208) 661-5008, or by email at: nic.lowry@cdapoa.org.