'Find the bad guy'

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris smiled Monday morning as he looked out at a crowd of new deputies and their families.

“Welcome to your extended family,” he told the deputies. “Each and every one of you has a place.”

The sheriff swore in 10 deputies at the Kootenai County Public Safety Building, where their fellow employees and other community members had gathered to watch the ceremony and congratulate them.

Kasey Kelly, Noah Kline, Tyler Rogge and Jake Best are new patrol deputies. Matt Swan transferred to Kootenai County from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, while Jacob Cartier began his law enforcement career as a jail deputy and will now work as a patrol deputy.

Robert Cranfill and Kyle Hunziker are returning for their second season as marine deputies, while Donald Wagner and Rian McNamara were sworn in as marine deputies for the first time this year.

“It’s a sense of fulfillment, knowing I’m doing an honest job serving the community that has done so much for me,” Hunziker said.

Hunziker decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after spending three years in the Explorer Program, a division of the Boy Scouts of America designed for young people who are interested in law enforcement. He’s also working toward a general studies degree at North Idaho College.

Before administering the oath, Norris spoke to the new deputies about the challenges they’ll face as law enforcement officers.

“The journey isn’t always going to be easy,” he said “No matter what position you were hired for, we deal with life and death situations.”

Norris emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and fairness, whether outside in the community or inside the Kootenai County jail. Some mistakes and stumbles are expected, Norris said, and more experienced employees won’t hesitate to check the new deputies, making sure they’re trained on procedural matters as small as not setting down their keys in the jail kitchen while stopping to tie their shoes.

As long as they make an honest effort based on law and county policy, Norris said the new deputies will have the agency’s support.

“Out there in the community, I want you to find the bad guy and take the bad guy to jail,” he said. “It’s that simple.”

“This is a great day for the community,” Norris said. “I look forward to working with each one of our new deputies.”

Kootenai County Commissioner Bill Brooks said he was glad to see the 10 deputies sworn in.

“We’re fortunate to be able to have a place to work like the sheriff’s office, with pay to attract good people,” he said.

Norris echoed the sentiment.

“This is a great day for the community, sheriff’s office and public safety,” he said. “I look forward to working with each one of our new deputies.”

    Back row: Jake Best, Donald Wagner, Robert Cranfill, Tyler Rogge, Kasey Kelly, Rian McNamara. Front row: Kyle Hunzker, Jacob Carter, Matt Swan, Noah Kline, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris.