Month: June 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Five people have died in crashes across Idaho since Memorial Day as law enforcement urges drivers to stay safe during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day typically sees an increase in fatal crashes as more people travel for vacations, road trips, and outdoor recreation.

With summer break beginning and major routes to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks running through eastern Idaho, the Idaho State Police expects heavier traffic on local highways.

“There’s going to be more traffic this summer,” Idaho State Police Trooper Alexis Summers said. “You’re going to have more people going to do stuff, take vacations. Just be patient and take your time there.”

ISP recommends drivers:

• Wear a seat belt• Never drive impaired• Obey the speed limit• Avoid distractions• Maintain a safe following distance• Avoid driving significantly above or below the speed limit

“Be courteous of other drivers that are around,” Summers said. “You got a lot of people that are just starting driver’s ed because it’s summertime and they’re out of school. Be patient with them. And you have a lot of elderly people that don’t like to go mach 10 on the highway either. So be patient with them and just be courteous to other drivers.”

Drivers can also help keep Idaho roads safe by reporting reckless driving to the Idaho State Police by dialing *477.

Click here to follow the original article.

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The National EMS Memorial Service partnered with Portneuf Air Rescue and Medical Center to host the Moving Honors procession on Wednesday, June 3. The ceremony honors fallen EMS heroes across the country, with the journey beginning in California and ending in Arlington, Virginia, totaling over 10,000 miles.

Along the way, the procession stops 32 times in 24 different states, honoring 37 EMS professionals who passed in the line of duty in 2025. There is no standing memorial for EMS heroes, which is the void the National EMS Memorial Service procession intends to fill by taking the ceremony across the country.

The center of the journey is carrying the Tree of Life, which bears the names of all 37 lost professionals. The tree will be transported along the entire journey and revealed at the national service in Virginia on July 19. A replica of the Tree of Life will be on display at each stop, showing spectators the bronze-etched leaves honoring each hero.

Several health leaders spoke at today’s ceremony at the Portneuf Medical Center helipad. Local fire department vehicles and the traveling tree of life truck were on display at the memorial. Around 30 local EMS workers attended the ceremony.

“Today, we gather to honor our brothers and sisters who are no longer with us,” said Chelsea Groom, Program Director at Portneuf Air Rescue. “Their commitment to serving their communities came at the highest cost. While they cannot stand here with us today, their legacy lives on through the lives they’ve touched, the families they’ve served and the colleagues who continue to work in their memory.”

She added that events like the traveling memorial prove that EMS is more than a profession, it’s a family and community committed to service and first response.

“Many of you that sit here today are not just first responders and professionals, but you’re also coaches at the local soccer leagues, people who teach and volunteer,” said Marc Kilman-Burnham, Director of Government Relations at Global Medical Response and speaker at the memorial. “When we step out and get on the ambulance, that fire truck or that helicopter, we’re carrying a single simple goal that’s to go out and find someone that needs us and try to take care of them.”

Kilman-Burnham went on to say that, unfortunately, the story doesn’t always go in the favor of the EMS workers, and it’s important to honor their legacy.

“If you have a loved one who has passed, you have nowhere to go to see their name permanently etched, so that’s a void we have to fill,” Kilman-Burnham said.

The Weekend of Honor will take place July 19 in Arlington, Virginia, where the Moving Honors group will complete its journey and unveil the Tree of Life.

“With the mission of the team, the Moving Honors and the National EMS Memorial Service, we’re here to say that your loved ones are never going to be forgotten,” said Megan Haverkamp, a volunteer on the journey with Moving Honors. “They’re always with us as we carry them across our trip.”

2026 Honored Fallen EMS Professionals

Salih Abdur-Rahman, 46, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the  

line of duty on 10/29/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

Scott Adams, 46, Milton-Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Milton, IN, died  in the line of duty on 04/25/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

Stephen “Batman” Anderson, 53, North State Medical Transport, Raleigh, NC, died in the  

line of duty on 09/21/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Amanda Benson, 25, CSI Aviation, Albuquerque, NM, died in the line of duty on  

08/05/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Jacob Bozeman, 20, American Medical Response, Tappahannock, VA, died in the line of  

duty on 03/20/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

David Burke, 61, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the line of duty  

on 07/31/2025 as a result of the WTC illness. 

Michael “Mike” Campbell, 48, Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services, Coal  

Grove, OH, died in the line of duty on 09/08/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

Kameilia “Kami” Chavez, 38, CSI Aviation, Albuquerque, NM, died in the line of duty on  

08/05/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Everett Edwards, 84, Clarks Fork Valley EMS, Bridger, MT, died in the line of duty on  

06/24/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Donald “DJ” Ellis, 57, Guardian Flight, Ketchikan, AK, died in the line of duty on  

06/27/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

Wesley England, 41, Nelson County EMS, Bardstown, KY, died in the line of duty on  

06/02/2025 as result of a medical event. 

Adam Loren Finseth, 40, Burnsville Fire Department, Burnsville, MN, died in the line of  

duty on 02/18/2024 as a result of a traumatic injury. 

Pamela Hehn, 61, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the line of  

duty on 03/03/2025 as a result of the WTC illness. 

Graham Hoffman, 29, Kansas City Fire Department, Kansas City, MO, died in the line of  

duty on 04/27/2025 as a result of a traumatic injury. 

Mary Jolly, 27, Gaston County EMS, Gaston, NC, died in the line of duty on 11/17/2025 as a  

result of being struck by a vehicle. 

Jeff Jones, 55, Woodward County EMS, Woodward, OK, died in the line of duty on  

09/11/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Fred Kemp, 52, Washington County – Johnson City EMS & Rescue, Johnson City, TN, died in  

the line of duty on 10/22/2025 as a result of a high angle fall. 

Jakob Kindt, 37, University of Mississippi Medical Center AirCare, Columbus, MS, died in  

the line of duty on 03/10/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Brenna Kulikowski, 31, Timber Mesa Fire & Medical District, Show Low, AZ, died in the line  

of duty on 09/14/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Justin Lauppe, 37, Butler County EMS, El Dorado, KS, died in the line of duty on 05/16/2025  

as a result of a medical event. 

Nick Mancuso, 37, CSI Aviation, Albuquerque, NM, died in the line of duty on 08/05/2025  

as a result of an air medical accident. 

Sarah McCarthy, 48, St. Charles County Ambulance District, Saint Peters, MO, died in the  

line of duty on 12/09/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

James McGee IV, 54, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the line of  

duty on 12/12/2025 as a result of the WTC illness. 

Robert “Bob” Miller, 56, Phoenix Paramedic Solutions, Lafayette, IN, died in the line of  

duty on 10/09/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Larry Nuckols, 53, Jay County EMS, Portland, IN, died in the line of duty on 01/10/2025 as a  

result of a medical event. 

Skye Oraczewski, 22, North State Medical Transport, Raleigh, NC, died in the line of duty  

on 09/21/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Dustin Pope, 36, University of Mississippi Medical Center AirCare, Columbus, MS, died in  

the line of duty on 03/10/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Kevin Robert, 55, LifeNet of New York, New York, NY, died in the line of duty on 08/27/2025  

as a result of a medical event. 

Stephen Scott, 62, Houston Fire Department, Houston, TX, died in the line of duty on  

09/17/2025 as a result of a medical event. 

Michael Skody Jr., 68, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the line  

of duty on 08/05/2025 as a result of the WTC illness. 

Roy Smith, 60, Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department, Staunton, IN, died in the line of  

duty on 04/05/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Susan “Suzie” Smith, 67, REACH Air Medical Services, Redding, CA, died in the line of  

duty on 10/10/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Damon Thompson, 21, Timber Mesa Fire & Medical District, Show Low, AZ, died in the line  

of duty on 09/14/2025 as a result of a vehicular accident. 

Jeffrey “Jeff” Tuning, 66, CSI Aviation, Albuquerque, NM, died in the line of duty on  

08/05/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Calvin “Ski” Wesolowski, 62, University of Mississippi Medical Center AirCare, Columbus,  

MS, died in the line of duty on 03/10/2025 as a result of an air medical accident. 

Frederick Whiteside, 43, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Brooklyn, NY, died in the  

line of duty on 11/17/2023 as a result of the WTC illness. 

Allan Williams, 55, Vanderbilt LifeFlight, Nashville, TN, died in the line of duty on  

11/08/2025 as a result of an air medical accident

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho has recognized a local detective for his exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the community.

On Wednesday, June 3rd, Detective Korey Payne was presented with the prestigious Hometown Hero Award for his distinguished record of law enforcement service, particularly his work in combating internet crimes against children.

“I’m just very honored that they would even think of me as someone who would be qualified for this,” Detective Payne said. “There are so many other people that are. I’m just very grateful for the things they have provided for me.”

United States Attorney Bart M. Davis emphasized that competition for the award was fierce, but Detective Payne’s impact made him the clear choice.

“Many worthy candidates were considered for this recognition, but I selected Korey Payne. He enjoys a distinguished record of service,” said Davis.

Sheriff Sam Hulse echoed those sentiments, noting that Detective Payne is defined by his passion for serving the community.

To recognize Detective Payne, U.S Attorney Davis gave him a letter of commendation, a commemorative medallion, and a U.S. Attorney’s Office challenge coin.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous broadcast version of this story included file video footage featuring branding from Daloris Jersey Dairy in Rigby. Local News 8 clarifies that Daloris Jersey Dairy is entirely unrelated to the raw milk outbreak.

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho health officials are investigating an outbreak of illnesses linked to the consumption of raw milk that has affected nearly 60 people across the state.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, at least 45 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Health officials say the illnesses have been reported since May 19, and investigators believe additional cases may still be identified as the investigation continues.

Most of those who became sick reported drinking unpasteurized, or raw, milk from two separate milking operations, one in northern Idaho and one in southern Idaho.

The Idaho Division of Public Health is working with multiple local health districts to determine the source of the contamination and identify any affected batches of milk.

Officials say both dairy operations are cooperating with the investigation and are working with health agencies to identify and address potential sources of contamination.

Raw milk has not been pasteurized, a process that kills harmful bacteria while maintaining the milk’s nutritional value. Health officials warn that raw dairy products can contain bacteria that cause illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis typically begin two to five days after exposure and can last about a week. In some cases, complications can develop and persist longer.

Anyone who develops symptoms after consuming raw milk or raw milk products is encouraged to seek medical care and contact their local public health district.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Click here to follow the original article.