Support Continues to Pour in for Officer Rigney and Nez Perce Tribal Police Department
On April 17th, 2019 Nez Perce Tribal Police (NPTP) experienced one of their worst nightmares when Officer Josh Rigney was shot twice while off-duty, in his home. Thankfully, the Lewiston Police Department (LPD) responded immediately.
As Officer Rigney was taken to the hospital, calls were being made to his brothers and sisters in blue. All the NPTP Officers rushed to the hospital to be present and share in the support for Officer Rigney, his wife, three children, and the rest of his family.
“We are overwhelmed and thankful for the tremendous support from the neighboring law enforcement agencies, tribal police across Indian Country, and Bart Davis, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho. In the end all officers and first responders are taking the same risks every day, regardless of what uniform we wear. Though no one ever wants this type of thing to happen, it really brought us all together,” stated Harold Scott, Nez Perce Tribe Chief of Police.
NPTP would like to thank the Lewis County Sherriff’s Department for immediately assuming NPTP dispatch calls and patrolling areas on the Nez Perce Reservation through the evening. This coverage enabled NPTP officers to stay at the hospital with Officer Rigney, while being assured that their homes and communities were still protected. “Lewis County really stepped up for us, without even asking. We are extremely grateful,” stated Chief Scott.
The support continues for Officer Rigney and his family. Many folks have donated food, supplies, and money to aid the family during this time. “Officer Rigney is a tough guy. We are thankful he’s as strong as he is and that he is recovering,” concluded Chief Scott.