We rely on police officers and firefighters to keep our community safe. In northern Idaho, residents are proud to honor our public servants and appreciate their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way when the occasion requires it.
At Mike White Ford, we feel an obligation to recognize their contributions to the well-being of North Idaho. Encouraging and uplifting those who dedicate their lives to our protection is essential. One way we can do this is through supporting the Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation (KCPFMF). This organization makes a difference where it matters most.
The KCPFMF was born out of the necessity to provide assistance to our first responders facing unforeseen catastrophic circumstances. The seed of compassion was planted when City of Coeur d’Alene police officer Mike Kralicek suffered a severe injury while engaging an armed suspect. As the officer and his family navigated the challenges of surgery and rehabilitation, it became evident that traditional avenues of support were insufficient.
In response, retired police officers rallied, creating the KCPFMF as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2006. Since then, this benevolent fund has supported over 400 first responders, including volunteer firefighters, serving in Kootenai County. The Foundation, driven by a Board of Directors comprising 12 community members, operates with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring recipients face no obligation or pressure to repay the financial awards granted.
The generosity of local businesses and individuals fuels the KCPFMF. The organization hosts fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and the funds it raises are used to grant financial aid for first responders and their families grappling with death, illness, or injury. Through their impactful work, the Foundation has granted twenty-eight awards to date, lightening the burden on those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.
In addition to immediate assistance, the Foundation extends its commitment to the next generation by offering merit-based scholarships. Since 2010, over $63,000 has been awarded to college-bound dependents of first responders, fostering educational opportunities for those who carry the legacy of service forward.
Mike White, the owner of Mike White Ford and a resident of Kootenai County, sits on the Advisory Committee of this organization. His efforts underscore his dealerships’ dedication to community service, emphasizing the conviction that everyone has an obligation to contribute to the welfare of the local community. Mike White Ford knows being part of the North Idaho community is a unique blessing. He invites everyone to join in support of the Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation.
Every donation, no matter the size, aids in building a stronger, more resilient community and enables all of us to show our appreciation for the work and dedication of first responders. We encourage you to explore the impactful work of the KCPFMF.
If you need a new or used vehicle, please visit or contact Mike White Ford, a family-owned and -operated car dealership with showrooms in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. You can be confident that Mike White’s dedication to the local community extends to his customers, and we’ll help you get the right vehicle for yourself and your family. In the meantime, let’s stand united for those who stand for us – our first responders – by supporting the KCPFMF.