COEUR d’ALENE — The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is a family. 

That’s what Sheriff Bob Norris told a crowd of more than 200 people Wednesday night, when KCSO employees and their families, as well as local elected leaders, gathered in the Jacklin Building on the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for the agency’s annual employee awards ceremony. 

“We rely on each other,” he said. “We pick on each other. We trust one another and we stand beside one another.” 

Norris said that each employee’s role, whether a sworn officer or a professional staff member, contributes to the community’s safety and stability. 

“What you do matters,” he said. “Many acts of service and sacrifice happen every day — without fanfare, without recognition.” 

That recognition came during the ceremony, when employees received honors for services performed by individuals and units during the past year, including patrol and jail deputies, 911 dispatchers and other professional staff. 

The Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT Team received accolades for their response to two major incidents in 2025. 

Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson said the team was among the first to respond to last June’s shooting on Canfield Mountain. During the incident, a gunman ambushed firefighters who responded to a fire he had set, killing two and grievously injuring a third. 

In late December of last year, the team responded to another shooting incident, this time at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office. An armed 77-year-old man had entered the building, fired a weapon, then moved outside, shooting two people before retreating inside. Police later fatally shot the gunman. 

KCSO leadership also recognized employees who have given five, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of service to the sheriff’s office. 

Norris became emotional when addressing the employees. 

“Our office has faced challenges, criticism, staffing shortages, difficult calls, moments when we were tested personally and professionally,” he said tearfully. “Despite all this, our organization has remained strong because of you.” 

He said KCSO employees demonstrate honor and integrity through their service and they take their responsibilities seriously. 

“In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, our community still looks to the sheriff’s office for leadership and stability,” he said. 

    Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson addressed the crowd during Wednesday's agency awards ceremony.