COEUR d’ALENE — The greatest asset of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is its people.

That’s what Undersheriff Brett Nelson said Wednesday night, when more than 200 community members gathered in the Jacklin Building on the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for KCSO’s annual employee awards ceremony. Among them were sheriff’s office employees and their families, as well as elected officials and others. 

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris thanked his staff for their efforts throughout the year, as well as the legislators and elected officials who provide support in the form of lawmaking and resources. 

Throughout the evening, the sheriff’s office highlighted the work of its staff, from patrol and jail deputies to 911 dispatchers and beyond. 

KCSO leadership also recognized employees who have given five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service to the sheriff’s office. One employee, Shane Moline, was honored for his 30 years of service. 

“We should all be proud that we are a member of this sheriff’s office, the only law enforcement agency that’s spoken of in the Idaho Constitution — and, in my opinion, the only law enforcement agency we should have in the state of Idaho, our sheriff’s offices,” Norris said.