WALLACE — More than 100 members of the first responder community from Shoshone County, North Idaho and the surrounding region were honored during a recent ceremony at the Wallace Elks Lodge for their actions during the Dec. 26 shooting in downtown Wallace. 

The ceremony recognized the law enforcement officers, dispatchers and EMS personnel involved in the incident with valor awards and meritorious conduct awards. 

Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen led the ceremony, guiding attendees through detailed portions of the incident and explaining how each individual honored rose to the occasion during the ordeal. 

Allen recounted how a shooter opened fire inside the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office on the day after Christmas. The shooter then briefly exited the building, shooting and wounding two citizens before re-entering the SCSO and barricading himself inside the facility, resulting in a standoff with law enforcement. 

During the incident, law enforcement and EMS personnel from Shoshone County and its three municipal departments responded, along with the Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, Rathdrum Police Department, St. Maries Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI. 

“The valor award acknowledges unwavering bravery in the face of imminent danger and courageous actions taken to protect others despite life-threatening risk,” Allen said. “The meritorious award recognizes a willingness to go above and beyond the standard call of duty while demonstrating a commitment to provide whatever assistance was necessary in order to protect the public and restore safety to the community.” 

The ceremony was divided into five segments, with honorees from each segment recognized together. 

The first segment focused on the initial moments of the shooting, described as particularly emotional due to the shock of the situation and the immediate danger faced. 

Shoshone County dispatchers Jonnie Rotchford and Suzanne Evans were under active fire as they sent out what Allen called “a critical call for help,” ensuring surrounding agencies were alerted and able to respond. 

Inside the building, unarmed detention deputies Joseph Johnston and Peter Borg worked to secure the jail facility, keeping inmates safe. Deputy Seth Dechand attempted to arm himself during the initial gunfire but had to retreat outside after multiple unsuccessful attempts. 

Outside the building, Kellogg Police Officer Matthew Weingart, the first officer on scene, exchanged gunfire with the shooter until Idaho State Police Trooper Ron Sutton arrived to provide immediate backup. 

“Their combined willingness to engage a superiorly armed threat exemplifies the highest traditions of law enforcement,” Allen said. 

All seven received valor awards. 

During the second segment, Allen described how Kellogg Police Chief Paul Twidt, Kellogg Police Officer Dameon Groves and former Shoshone County Sheriff Will Eddy entered the building to check for unknown or additional casualties. While inside, they came under direct fire. One shot narrowly missed Groves, who sustained an injury to his ear from shattering glass. 

The group secured the building’s basement exit, effectively trapping the shooter inside. 

Pinehurst Police Chief John Richter then led a tactical team that included his son, Deputy Joe Richter, Deputy Jason Cartwright and Kellogg Police Officer Kyle Hudson. The team entered the building to secure the jail facility and assist dispatchers and jailers trapped inside, helping them escape. 

Members of this group also received valor awards. 

Allen said the third segment recognized responders who worked outside the building to maintain safety throughout the community. Their actions included checking on residents and businesses, establishing a medical staging area, providing emergency communications and offering critical support during the high-stress incident. 

This group, composed of the Kellogg Police Department and Shoshone County personnel, received valor awards. 

The fourth segment recognized regional responding agencies, including the Kootenai County SWAT team, which ultimately ended the incident. These responders also received valor awards. 

The fifth and final group consisted of first responders who assisted either during the incident or in its aftermath. All members of this group received meritorious conduct awards. 

“True valor is rarely planned; it is found in the spilt-second decision to put others before oneself,” Allen said. “On Dec. 26, 2025, amidst the chaos of an active shooter incident, that valor was on full display.” 

Kevin Kessler, a retired law enforcement officer and current pastor at Real Life Pinehurst, delivered the benediction. He spoke about honoring those who willingly place themselves in harm’s way. 

“God, I know I speak for everyone in this room when I say we are grateful; we are grateful, Lord, for the men and women and the families who sacrifice,” Kessler said. “Your word says, ‘blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.’ Lord, I pray that we bless the peacekeepers tonight. These amazing men and women serve their community faithfully. We are grateful for them.”