Frank Harwood and John Morrison, two chiefs, died in a fatal shooting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Fatal shooting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho claimed the lives of Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Harwood and Battalion Chief John Morrison.
The tragic ambush concluded with the suspected shooter, Wess Roley, found deceased and believed to have ended his own life. This occurred shortly after the violent incident that took the lives of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison. The ambush unfolded on a Sunday afternoon in northern Idaho.
Chief Harwood, a veteran with seventeen years under his belt at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, was a decorated former Army National Guard combat engineer. Life had dealt him the cards of marriage and two children, yet his death extinguished these roles. His leadership was widely acknowledged, as was evident in the tribute paid by Chris Way, the interim chief. “An unimaginable, unthinkable tragedy took place,” Way expressed, highlighting the profound sense of loss felt across the organization.
Battalion Chief Morrison, whose career spanned two and a half decades at Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, climbed the ranks from firefighter to engineer to captain before reaching his current position. He also dedicated many years as a paramedic. Thomas Greif, the city’s fire chief, described the previous day as the darkest period for both the department and the chiefs. He added that engineer Dave Tysdal was wounded during the attack. Tysdal, who has served the department for twenty-three years, is now recovering after undergoing two successful surgeries. His wife conveyed gratitude in a statement, noting his recovery progress.
The aftermath involved transporting the bodies from Kootenai Health to the Spokane County coroner’s office, a somber procession reflecting the community’s shock. Pete Holley, the deputy operations chief, remarked on the unpreparedness for such an event. “This is not something we train for,” he stated, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the violence amidst a grass fire response.
In response to the heinous attack, Governor Brad Little extended prayers to the families across Idaho. The fire ignited by the suspect, Wess Roley, has been contained at approximately twenty acres. Reports indicate the fire started with a flint starter, which prompted the initial response, though it was too late as shots rang out before the firefighters could begin containment.
Support for the affected firefighters and their families is being organized through their departments. Peer support networks have been activated, and fundraising efforts are planned through official channels.
Further developments are anticipated as authorities continue their investigation into the fire’s origin and the events surrounding the attack.
