In an emotional press conference following the killing of two IAFF fire fighters ambushed while responding to a brushfire, local Idaho union leaders honored the lives and legacies of their fallen brothers.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Local 710 Battalion Chief John Morrison, Jr. and Kootenai County, Idaho Local 2856 Battalion Chief Frank Harwood were killed on June 29 while responding to a reported brushfire on Canfield Mountain. A third fire fighter, Local 710 Fire Fighter/Engineer David Tysdal was also shot and critically injured. He underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering.
These were honorable men and they were dedicated to their communities.
Local 710 President Gabe Eckert
“These guys were hard workers, and they loved their families,” said Local 710 President Gabe Eckert. “My last memory with John… we went out on the back patio and smoked cigars. We talked about being better fathers, better leaders, and better fire fighters. I am so incredibly grateful that gets to be my last memory of him.”
“These were honorable men, and they were dedicated to this community,” Eckert added.
Local 2856 President Justin Zabel joined Eckert in highlighting their bravery and dedication to serving the community.
“This tragedy does not define our community,” Zabel said. “What’s often overlooked at times like these is the overwhelming love and support we receive from the people we serve. It’s that love for this community that inspired Brother Harwood and Brother Morrison to answer the call, and they made the ultimate sacrifice in that service.”
This tragedy does not define our community. What’s often overlooked at times like these is the overwhelming love and support we receive from the people we serve.
Local 2856 President Justin Zabel
Officials say the brush fire was likely set intentionally to lure first responders into an ambush. As fire fighters began their initial operations, a suspect opened fire on the crew. That suspect, identified by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office as 20-year-old Wess Roley, was later found deceased at the scene.
“The ambush killing of two fire fighters responding to a brushfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is nothing short of horrific,” said General President Edward Kelly. “We mourn the loss of our two brothers and are keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers. Our thoughts are also with Brother Tysdal, who was shot and remains hospitalized.”
Kelly, along with General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma, immediately offered assistance, resources, staff, and support to Idaho affiliates following initial reports of the shooting.
“This is a senseless act of violence that strikes at the very heart of who we are and the work we do every day to protect the communities we love,” Kelly said. “For two fire fighters who went to work with the purest of intentions, who took an oath to put their lives on the line, to risk their lives for others, to be murdered in the performance of their duty is beyond tragic.”
For two fire fighters who went to work with the purest of intentions, who took an oath to put their lives on the line, to risk their lives for others, to be murdered in the performance of their duty is beyond tragic.
general president edward kelly
Both Harwood and Morrison were transported to the Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office following the incident.
“Yesterday, we witnessed a senseless act,” said IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh in a video message. “We lost two heroes, and another is fighting for his life.”
Members of the Idaho community, Local 710, and Local 2856, say they are now focused on supporting the loved ones of those involved and their members during this incredibly difficult time.
In response to the attack, Idaho Governor Brad Little ordered flags to fly at half-staff statewide.
“All of our public safety officers, especially our fire fighters, bravely confront danger on a daily basis,” said Little. “But we have never seen a heinous act of violence like this on our fire fighters before.”
On Tuesday, a procession from the Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office to the English Funeral Chapel led Morrison and Harwood home, as hundreds of community members, public safety officers, and fellow fire fighters lined the route to honor the members in tribute.
To learn more about the fallen fire fighters and Tysdal, visit the link here.
To support the families, please consider donating to the charities below:
