COEUR d’ALENE — Courage. Integrity. An unwavering spirit.

As Rick Rasmussen introduced Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif on Wednesday night as the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, he had to go beyond the title of “leader” to express all that Greif has inspired within the community.  

Following the June 29 shooting that injured engineer Dave Tysdal and resulted in the deaths of battalion chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood, Greif bravely navigated both tragic loss and national attention on his department.  

“He stepped up not just as a leader, but as a guardian and a steward,” Rasmussen said. 

Greif was met with cheers and a standing ovation from about 300 people as he accepted his award. 

But of course, he couldn’t take all the credit.  

Greif extended his thanks to his line firefighters and administrative staff in a heartfelt address to attendees.  

“We have the greatest fire department in the country; I really believe that,” he said. “It’s all because of them.” 

Greif began his career with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in 1997, rising through the ranks and ultimately being named chief in 2022. He is set to retire in April.  

Greif was one among several community leaders honored during the Chamber’s 113th annual awards celebration, held this year at the Hagadone Event Center.  

The night also saw the passing of the Chamber’s gavel from 2025 Chair Tyrel Stevenson with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to Incoming Chair Clint Schroeder, president and corporate publisher of Hagadone Communications and Hagadone Newspaper and Media Groups. 

Schroeder’s vision for 2026, he shared, centers on “leaders building leaders.” 

“We want to attract new talent, the next generation,” Schroeder said in part. “We will continue making Coeur d’Alene a special place to live and work: the best place it can be.” 

Stevenson also shared that the Chamber welcomed 125 new members and has nearly doubled its membership in just five years.  

“This growth is a testament to the value our Chamber brings and the trust our business community places in us,” he said. 

The night’s other award winners included: 

Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year: Jennifer Smock, Windermere Realty 

Smock “elevates everything she touches,” said past award recipient Jody Azevedo with Numerica Credit Union.  

“She inspires and empowers our entire community,” Azevedo said. “She embodies what it means to serve.” 

Large Business of the Year: Stancraft Construction Group 

“They don’t just build structures, they build community,” said Coeur d’Alene Resort President Bill Reagan.  

Stancraft Construction Group is well regarded for its support of organizations such as Canopy Village, Habitat for Humanity, Tesh Inc. and other area nonprofits.  

Small Business of the Year: ROJO Ink 

ROJO Ink’s custom merchandise services have played a pivotal role in “shaping a more confident, unified regional identity,” said Ryan Nipp with Parkwood Biz Properties.  

Nonprofit of the Year: Charity Reimagined 

Charity Reimagined has shown that “the best charity is not a handout, but a hand up,” said Scott Ferguson with St. Vincent de Paul.  

By offering “dignity-based assistance,” the nonprofit is “reshaping expectations across the region ... creating a stronger, more dignified North Idaho,” he added.  

Committee of the Year: Nonprofit Committee 

The Chamber’s nonprofit committee, led by Annette Nolting with Museum of North Idaho, was credited for generating “tremendous growth in both attendance and engagement” in 2025. 

    2025 Chamber Award recipients, from left: Joe Rodriguez (ROJO Ink), Josh Horvath (Stancraft Construction Group), Tom Greif (Coeur d'Alene Fire Department), Jennifer Smock (Windermere Realty), Annette Nolting (Museum of North Idaho), Claire Dunn (Canopy Village), Maggie Lyons (Charity Reimagined), Judy Coe (Charity Reimagined), Tina Peralta (Charity Reimagined), Brooke Dunton (Charity Reimagined), and Connie Drager (Charity Reimagined).