County awards Johnston badge, gun

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution awarding Det. Sgt. Gary Johnston his sidearm and badge following the officer’s 29 years of service on the line of duty.

“Detective Sgt. Johnston has been employed with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office since Oct. 23, 1990,” Sheriff’s Daryl Wheeler said during the board’s June 25 business meeting.

Under Idaho Code, county commissioners may award a law officer their handgun, badge and credentials upon retirement. The identification card will have “retired” printed on it.

Johnston was not on hand during the meeting, but reflected on his service in a 2012 department newsletter.

Johnston was hired by former Sheriff Chip Roos as a patrol deputy. Prior to finding a home in Priest River, Johnston lived with relatives in Athol. He was provided a patrol vehicle, but had to foot the bill for gas while he underwent field training. He was also responsible for his own duty weapon and belt.

Johnston recalled being one of the few deputies who had access to a portable radio. At the time, there were two resident deputies at Priest Lake, four in Priest River and four or five in Sandpoint.

“We all drove used surplus CHP cars. We only had two four-wheel drive vehicles for the Priest Lake guys,” Johnston wrote.

He noted that east- and westside deputies did not mingle and the days before 911 addressing posed difficulties.

“Finding your call was extremely challenging at times and we all dictated reports,” Johnston said.

Johnston would go on to join the department’s emergency response team as a door breacher and sniper. He would achieve the ranks of private, corporal, detective and lieutenant. He received a meritorious award and medal of valor in connection with a 2008 shootout.

Johnston and his wife have two adult daughters and planned on building a boat in order to keep his “Norwegian card.”

Johnston said a wise man once said to him that he was just one paycheck away from being homeless and holding a cardboard sign at the corner of U.S. Highway 95 in Kootenai Cutoff.

“This statement struck fear into my very soul and has changed my outlook on life!” Johnston wrote.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.