Frank Harwood, John Morrison Obituary, Death – Two firefighters lost their lives and a third was critically injured after a gunman opened fire on emergency crews responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately set by the shooter in order to lure and attack the first responders.
Within an hour of arriving at the scene, firefighters came under gunfire. A shootout between the suspect and law enforcement—including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and Coeur d’Alene Police Department—ensued and lasted around 90 minutes, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris. The suspect was eventually killed, but his name has not yet been released.
The fallen firefighters have been identified as Battalion Chief Frank Harwood from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Battalion Chief John Morrison from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. Engineer Dave Tysdal, also of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, was seriously wounded and remains in critical condition following two surgeries.
Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif, speaking at a news conference on Monday, described the attack as an unthinkable tragedy. “This wasn’t an event we had trained for,” he said. “We prepare daily for dangerous situations, but never imagined we’d be ambushed at a wildfire scene.”
The three firefighters involved were deeply experienced and highly respected members of their community. Harwood, 42, had spent 17 years with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and previously served as a combat engineer with the Army National Guard. He was married and had two children. His leadership and dedication made a lasting impression on his department.
Morrison, 52, served for more than 28 years with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, rising through the ranks to battalion chief. He was remembered not only as a dedicated professional but also a family man. Gabe Eckert, president of the local firefighter’s union, recalled a personal moment shared with Morrison when the two spoke about family, leadership, and their passion for the job over cigars during a quiet night at the firehouse. “I’m so incredibly grateful that gets to be my last memory with him,” Eckert said.
Tysdal, 47, has served 23 years as an engineer with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. He remains hospitalized in critical condition but is showing signs of recovery. Fire Chief Greif read a statement from his family expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support. “Dave is surrounded by his loved ones. He can open his eyes, and the surgeries have gone well,” the statement said.
The deadly ambush has shaken the firefighting and broader community in Coeur d’Alene. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, as officials try to piece together the shooter’s motives and ensure justice is served for those who risk their lives protecting others.