Hundreds braved the rain to light up the Idaho Peace Officers Memorial in candlelight. All to show their support for law enforcement nationwide, and the two Boise police officers and police K9 injured in a gun battle with a wanted man on Veterans Day.
The show of support comes hours after authorities released the name of the Boise police officer who is still in the hospital. Corporal Kevin Holtry is a 17-year vet of the department and U.S. Army veteran.
"We ask our officers to go out every single day, every single call, to unknown areas, never knowing what they are going to face. But when they see this, and they see why they are doing that, it really gives us charge and makes it all worthwhile," said Boise Police Chief Bill Bones.
It was not just the public that came out to show their support during the candlelight vigil; Peace officers from agencies all over the Treasure Valley came to show their support.
"It gives me goose bumps,” said Bonnie Jacobson, a family friend of the Holtry’s who attended the vigil. “Gives me goose bumps. The community cares this much, as they should."
The event was put on in part by a group of women whose husbands and sons serve in local law enforcement. During the vigil, they had the public write get-well-soon cards for the injured officers, took donations, and had the public a sign banner that will hang in Corporal Holtry's hospital room. For many of the women, they know there is a chance their loved ones may not come home from work one day.
"It comes with the job, but you know, that' what he's there for. He's there to protect and serve. And I'm proud of him. Very proud," said Jackie Briggis, the event organizer and wife of an Ada County Sherriff deputy.
Friends of the Holtry family say they were there during the family’s darkest hour and wish they could do more. But for now, the Holtry family says they appreciate all the community support and ask for privacy.
"I can't say enough prayers for their family and what they are going through right now," said Jacobson.
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