COEUR d'ALENE — From the bottoms of their hearts to the tops of their lungs, Chrysalis clients shared a sentiment they've been feeling about firefighters all summer: "Our heroes!"

The Chrysalis community has been working on a painted and autographed banner to show gratitude to North Idaho's firefighters, which they presented Friday to three Kootenai County Fire and Rescue personnel. The idea for the banner was immediately put forth by Chrysalis clients when the June 29 Canfield Mountain fire and shootings claimed the lives of Coeur d'Alene Battalion Chief John Morrison and KCFR Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and seriously injured Coeur d'Alene Fire engineer Dave Tysdal.

“Obviously over the last couple months, we’ve been feeling just overwhelming support from the community," said Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Capt. Bryon Smith, standing with Engine 14.

"It’s very special for all of us in trying times, just knowing our community has been here and is still supporting us, even before," he said. "And now the support’s even better."

He said he and his colleagues appreciated all the time the Chrysalis clients put into the banner.

"We love seeing their face light up when they see the fire truck," he said.

Gloria Paschal, who has been a Chrysalis client since it opened in fall 2023, was delighted to visit with the KCFR team and share her appreciation for all they do.

"I felt blessed, proud and honored to have those boys here," she said. "I'm grateful that they go out and do what they do to protect us from harm and danger. Like I told one of them, I said, 'I'm grateful that you guys are here because if it hadn't been for you guys and doing what you do none of us would be here right now.' I just love our firefighters and I love what they do."

Another longtime client, Shawn, said he was excited to see the firefighters.

"At first, we were nervous for them because of what was going on, but this is really special to do this for the fire crew," he said, adding that North Idaho's firefighters make him and his peers feel safe.

"Safe and proud," he said.

Chrysalis is a nonprofit that provides adult developmental therapy, adult day health services, behavioral intervention, children's community-based services and more. CEO Terri Johnson said she had tears in her eyes when the Chrysalis crew came up with the idea to show gratitude to local firefighters.

"They have the hugest hearts, and I love that we got to honor that and honor the firefighters," she said. "It's so wonderful they came."

    Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Capt. Byron Smith shows Chrysalis client Caleb Gardner around Engine 14 Friday during a visit to the Chrysalis campus in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Gloria Paschal gives Kootenai County Fire and Rescue firefighter/paramedic Josh Keogh a big squeeze Friday at Chrysalis in Coeur d'Alene.