COEUR d’ALENE — When Jeff Snell ran along the North Idaho Centennial Trail early Saturday morning, an American flag balanced on his shoulder, people out for a stroll in McEuen Park or along the lake paused as he passed, hands over their hearts.

“You don’t get that in many communities,” Snell said. “Kootenai County is special.” 

Snell was one of more than 500 people who took part in the sixth Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5K run and walk, honoring those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks and raising money to support the families of fallen first responders and military members. 

Snell, a detective with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, said his family loves the nonprofit’s mission. 

“When tragedy hit home last year, Tunnel to Towers was there to help,” he said. 

Last summer, a gunman shot and killed Frank Harwood, a Kootenai County Fire and Rescue battalion chief, and John Morrison, a battalion chief with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced plans to pay off the mortgages on their homes through its Fallen First Responder Program, which provides mortgage-free homes for families of law enforcement or firefighters killed in the line of duty. 

Nick McCleary, a firefighter with Silver Valley Fire and Rescue, was the first runner to cross the finish line in his gear Saturday. Though the morning was cool and windy, McCleary’s face was shining with sweat as he removed his gear.  

“It’s hot,” he said of the run. “It’s tiring.”  

But it was heartening to see community members cheering him on at the finish line, even if he wasn’t accustomed to the attention.  

“I’m not really one for the spotlight. I was thinking maybe I should run the other way,” he said with a laugh. 

Michele Nelson, volunteer director for the event, said Tunnel to Towers is growing year over year in North Idaho. The 5K saw a peak of about 800 runners last year, in the wake of the Canfield Mountain attack, and has ordinarily added about 100 runners annually since its inception. 

“This community is amazing,” she said. “Our first responders are supported.” 

She said the event offers not only an opportunity to remember the events of Sept. 11 but to reflect on how the nation came together Sept. 12 and do the same in their communities, 25 years later. 

“The families of our fallen heroes need support and this organization does that,” Nelson said. “To be a small part of it is humbling.” 

    Nick McCleary, right, of Silver Valley Fire and Rescue, was the first firefighter to cross finish line of the the Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5k in full gear.
  

    Michele Nelson high fives a runner approaching the finish line of the Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5k.