Two brothers not feeling well on Halloween and unable to go trick-or-treating wouldn’t generate much, if any, attention in most places. 

But in Coeur d’Alene, it brings police officers and firefighters to their front door. 

“It shows how amazing this town is. We love it,” said the boys’ mother, Brianna Shriner. “Our first responders are amazing.” 

Brooks and Graham Shriner love Halloween and were anxious to venture out and collect candy Friday night. But both woke up with a stomach bug that morning, dashing their dreams of endless sweets. 

That led neighbor Shara Schorzman to send a note to The Press about Brooks and Graham: 

“They missed out on a fun dress-up day at school and will probably miss out on trick or treating. I'm trying to think of something that could help them have a better day. I thought it would be so cool if a fire truck, ambulance or a police vehicle would show up and surprise them tonight to wish them happy Halloween.” 

The Press forwarded the note to both fire and police personnel and both departments responded. Within hours, police arrived at the home of Nick and Brianna Shriner, followed by firefighters. 

The boys were given closer looks at a patrol car and a fire truck, received a little candy and some get-well wishes. 

“We’re happy to help the kids,” said Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Capt. Matt Sowa. 

The smiling boys, seemingly much better, posed for a photo with firefighters Sowa, Morgan Zajicek and Don Bates and held a handmade sign, “Thank you firefighters.” 

Brianna Shriner said the response showed that Coeur d’Alene is pretty special. 

“What a great community we live in,” she said. 

Young Brooks, despite being under the weather, managed one comment: 

“It’s pretty cool.”