A TIME FOR COMPASSION AND LISTENING 

I had an entirely different column planned for today – then Sunday came. 

Important conversations about political policy have their time and place. But this is neither the time nor the place. It’s a privilege to have this platform. Today, I want to use it to extend my most sincere sympathy and love to the families who lost a piece of their hearts. I also want to express compassion for the firefighting and law enforcement families who are forever changed by this tragedy.  

As Kootenai County Democrats, we are here for you. 

Both our KC Dems community and our community at large have experienced a horrific tragedy. For many, the world still feels like it’s been spun off its axis. 

What can you say in a time like this? Honestly, sometimes the most meaningful response is silence — not the absence of care, but the presence of deep listening. When words fall short, our actions can speak volumes.

Give families the space they need to heal, simply letting them know that you are ready to help when they are ready to receive. 

Resist the urge to assign blame or create division. We are all in this together. 

Sit with those who are hurting, allowing their sorrow to be seen, their anger to be heard, and their grief to be honored. This is how we begin to stitch the torn fabric of community — not with grand gestures, but with small, consistent acts of kindness.

If you need to take action, donate to the Red and Blue Foundation at this website: https://redbluefoundation.org/donations/. Select the “Canfield Incident Donations” option. 

As time unfolds, keep an eye on our social media for ways to support the families impacted. Needs may change, but our commitment to showing up for our community must be consistent.

What happened on Sunday transcends politics. There will be a time to talk about policy. That time will come. This is a time for healing.