Procession Thursday to honor late Sgt. Mike Victorino

PONDERAY — Well-wishers, family and friends are invited to walk along with an emergency vehicle procession on Thursday, Dec. 10 in honor of Sgt. Mike Victorino, who died on Nov. 25 following injuries from a motorcycle crash on Aug. 15.

“To all of those wishing to celebrate Mike's service to the community, and his giving nature throughout his life — please come out in support,” wrote Sgt. Brian Koch in an email to the Daily Bee. “We would love for Mike to look down on the Long Bridge and see it lined with our great citizens waving flags and sending prayers his way.”

Victorino began his career in 1997, Koch wrote, and spent 18 years working for the Ponderay Police Department.

“Sadly he didn't get to realize his dream of a retirement from Law Enforcement,” Koch wrote, “though he did — in a way — ride off into the sunset doing what he loved."

Those who would like to honor Victorino are also invited to participate in his celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The family has requested that no gifts or flowers be brought to the celebration, but those who wish may donate to the Bonner County Chaplains Office at 4001 N. Boyer Ave. Sandpoint, Idaho.

“Whether you worked with Mike, he helped you in your time of need, or just listened when you needed to be heard — he was always there. It is our honor to celebrate our fallen hero,” Koch wrote.

The procession will begin at 1 p.m. at Monarch Road in Sagle, and continue on Highway 95 across the Long Bridge. It will then continue north onto First Avenue in Sandpoint, turn west onto Cedar Street, then north onto Fifth Avenue. The procession will then follow Highway 200, continue east onto Fourth Street in Ponderay, pass Ponderay City Hall and turn north on Elm Avenue. It will then continue across Highway 200, turn west onto Kootenai Cutoff Road, and continue past Highway 95, ending at the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.