POST FALLS - It was, in police and fire lingo, a mutual aid response.

Individuals, civic groups and businesses swarmed to the physical therapy need of injured Coeur d'Alene police officer Mike Kralicek first, then the Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation swooped in to make sure his tandem recumbent bicycle donation was finalized.

Those involved with the fundraising efforts, friends and law enforcement presented the $5,000 bike to Kralicek on Friday after his physical therapy session at Peak Fitness in Post Falls.

"This is kind of like a Cadillac bike," said a smiling Kralicek, after taking a test spin with his wife, Carrie. "The seat is a lot more comfortable than a regular bike."

Kralicek is still recovering from being shot in the face while assisting with an arrest in a hit-and-run incident in December 2004. The man who shot Kralicek was killed by deputies who returned fire.

The bike will allow Kralicek to take the next steps in his long road to recovery and work at his own pace. It will also enable him to be on the Centennial Trail, where he hasn't been since before the shooting.

Funds came from a pancake breakfast, private individuals, police and firefighters, Panhandle Kiwanis, Marie's Boutique and the foundation.

"This is what we do," said Bud Arce (pronounced r-c) of the memorial foundation, which started in 2005, partially in response to Kralicek's incident. "We help police and firefighters with expenses not covered by their medical insurance. Once people start to raise money, we consider whether it meets our criteria, then we match what has been raised."

"Mike was injured in the line of duty and we determined that this was something worthwhile because his medical insurance wasn't going to get him a bike for therapy and this will allow him to have a quality of life."

Gary Dagastine of Northwest Recumbent Cycles offered the bike at cost and donated labor toward modifying the trailer and assembling the bike.

Kralicek called the donation a "two-sided coin."

"I'm grateful for everyone who gave," he said, adding that he's not able to ride a regular bike. "But I'd rather give than to be on the receiving side. Other people need things worse than me."

Kralicek was unconscious for two weeks after the shooting and was told he wouldn't be able to breathe on his own, but he has far exceeded expectations. He has been walking for about three years and is working on regaining full use of one of his hands.

"You do what you can do," he said. "You forget what you used to be able to do and move ahead. I'm still striving for more independence."

Even with the challenges, Kralicek said he has a lot to be thankful for.

He said another officer on the East Coast who was shot in the same place 10 years ago is still bed-ridden.

Kralicek won't be able to work again, but he and Carrie have traveled around the country as motivational speakers.

"There may not be a way to do something the way you used to, but there's still a way to do it," he said of the theme of his speeches. "It makes you want to go out and do more (talks). I just tell (my hand) that it's a little behind me and to not give up."