Brave Firefighters Tragically Killed In The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Shooting Identified
The two firefighters who were senselessly killed in the “ambush” shooting rampage in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Sunday have been identified.
Authorities say Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison were the two men killed in the horrific attack. CDAFD Engineer David Tysdal was also taken to the hospital after being shot.
Chief Harwood was 42 years old and also a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Chief Morrison was 52 years old and joined the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in 1996.
Tysdal has gone through two successful surgeries but still remains in critical condition. His wife gave a brief update that was read by Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif.
“We thank everyone for their love and support. Dave is surrounded by his family, and he is able to open his eyes, and the two surgeries have gone well,” Tysdal’s wife shared.
What We Know About The Tragedy
The two firefighters were killed and several others injured after being “ambushed” by the shooter, now known as 20-year-old Wess Roley.
The firefighters reportedly received a call for an active wildfire around 2 PM local time when they were attacked by the gunman.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the shooting as “a total ambush.” He added, “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
Over 300 law enforcement officers responded to the area of the shooting and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order to protect those in the area at the time.
Local news outlets reported that law enforcement officers detected cell phone activation in a nearby area and following that detection, officers discovered the body of the suspected gunman with a firearm on Canfield Mountain.
Officers believe the suspect was the lone shooter and that there is no lingering threat. A motive for the shooting has not been determined.
