SANDPOINT — An award is far more meaningful when it bears the name of a fallen comrade, and this week the Sandpoint Police Department received an especially meaningful honor.

In a congratulatory letter from the Disability Action Center of Idaho, Police Chief Corey Coon learned his department had been selected as the annual recipient of the Tom McTevia Memorial Award.

"This award is given each year to community members for removing barriers for people with disabilities in memory of community activist, Tom McTevia," said DAC Executive Director Mark Leeper.

Earlier this year, disabled Sandpoint veteran Bill Yeager had lost his chance to keep a guide dog due to unrestrained canines in his neighborhood who "rushed" Yeager and a service animal he had received on a trial basis. The animal's trainer determined that the environment was unsafe for a guide dog and removed it from Yeager's premises. 

Once Coon and City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton learned of the incident, they took decisive action. Police officers went door to door in Yeager's neighborhood to remind people of city leash laws.

The city instituted a trial enforcement period for leash and licensing regulations with a part-time police officer at the helm. As a result of these actions and the help of advocate Cecelia Myers, Yeager now has another chance to get a guide dog. 

"In 2016, your work has helped the community understand the importance of service dogs. You and ... Stapleton immediately stepped forward to help solve the problem unleashed dogs had on community member William Yeager's ability to get a service dog," Leeper said in his letter.

The Tom McTevia award is named for a former Orofino police officer and Navy veteran who, after becoming paralyzed in an accident, advocated for accessibility for wheelchairs in outdoor recreational venues. He was an active outdoorsman despite his disability, and as such, an inspiration to others.

McTevia died in a fall from an overlook above Lake Pend Oreille in April 2015.

DAC plans to present the award at its ADA Celebration Picnic July 29 at Sandpoint City Beach. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is free and features food, live music, wheelchair basketball and prize giveaways. The presentation is scheduled for noon.