Community rallies around Teton County first responder injured in Swan Valley bear collision

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — The Teton County Sheriff’s Office and community are coming together to support a longtime first responder who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident last week.

55-year-old Bart Churches was hospitalized after his motorcycle hit a black bear on Highway 31 near Swan Valley last Thursday, according to Idaho State Police. Churches, a 24-year veteran detention officer with Teton County, remains in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

To support him and his wife, Renae, through his long recovery process, colleagues at the Sheriff’s Office launched an online fundraiser.

"Anyone who knows Bart could tell you that riding his motorcycle, specifically his Harley-Davidson, is one of his favorite hobbies and is something he and his wife Renae have enjoyed doing together for years," the Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement. "There is no pressure to donate, but we knew the community would be asking where and how to help, because Bart has been a member of this community for so many years."

As of Wednesday, October 14, the community has raised more than $14,000 toward Churches' medical care and recovery. In a Facebook post, the Sheriff's Office relayed Renae's message of gratitude following the outpouring of support.

"His wife Renae has asked us to extend her sincere appreciation to everyone who has reached out, offered support, and who responded to help Bart the day of and days following the collision," states the post. "She is so grateful to her family of coworkers at Whole Foods along with both the administration and individual employees at the Sheriff’s Office for the wrap around of supports."

For more information, or to contribute to the fundraiser, click HERE.