Frank Harwood and John Morrison Obituary: Tragic Ambush Claims Lives of Two Firefighters and Critically Injures Dave Tysdal in Idaho Attack

On Sunday, a devastating and unimaginable tragedy unfolded on Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, that claimed the lives of two courageous firefighters—Battalion Chief Frank Harwood of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Battalion Chief John Morrison of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department—and critically wounded a third, Engineer Dave Tysdal, also from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. This unprecedented attack, which took place while the crew was responding to a brush fire, has left the firefighting community reeling. Authorities suspect that the fire was deliberately set by a gunman in a sinister plot to lure emergency responders into an ambush. Within an hour of their arrival, the brave first responders were met with a hail of gunfire, igniting a violent 90-minute shootout that would ultimately end with the suspect’s death. As the community mourns and questions remain about the motives behind this senseless attack, the lives of these three men and their heroic actions stand as a poignant reminder of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of firefighting.

The tragedy on Canfield Mountain has left an indelible mark on not only the Coeur d’Alene community but also the broader firefighting world. The investigation, led by Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, is ongoing as authorities work to understand why such a calculated act of violence was carried out against those whose sole mission was to protect the community. What emerges from this story, beyond the horrific details of the attack, is a portrait of the men who died in the line of duty and the collective heartbreak of a community and a profession that has lost some of its finest members.

The Fallen Heroes: A Legacy of Service and Dedication
The two fallen firefighters, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, were not just names to the people who knew them—they were pillars of their communities, symbols of dedication, and professional standards. Frank Harwood, aged 42, had been with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue for 17 years. Before his distinguished career in firefighting, Harwood served as a combat engineer in the Army National Guard, where he garnered critical leadership skills that would later shape his role within the fire department. Those who worked with Harwood remembered him for his unflinching commitment to both his family and his work. He was a husband and a father of two children, and his family described him as a man of immense integrity, who valued teamwork and the safety of his crew above all. Harwood’s career trajectory and leadership made a lasting impression on his colleagues and community. His untimely death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief from those who served alongside him.

Similarly, John Morrison, 52, had an illustrious career that spanned 28 years with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. Rising through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief, Morrison was a leader in every sense of the word. A man whose character resonated beyond his professional role, Morrison was known for his passion for firefighting and his unwavering commitment to his family. His colleagues, like Gabe Eckert, president of the local firefighter’s union, shared fond memories of quiet nights spent talking with Morrison about leadership, family, and their shared love for the profession. Morrison was the embodiment of what it meant to serve—both in his capacity as a firefighter and as a loving family man. The words shared by Eckert, recalling the two bonding over cigars, paint a picture of a man who was not just a firefighter but a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Morrison’s passing, as well as Harwood’s, underscores the profound and often unspoken risks that firefighters face every day. It highlights the reality that even in seemingly routine operations—such as responding to a brush fire—firefighters are constantly putting their lives on the line. The public may often see them as first responders to natural disasters or emergencies, but the danger they face is no less real than that of any soldier in combat.

Engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, another critical member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, was also involved in the incident. With 23 years of service to the department, Tysdal’s experience and expertise were integral to the team. While Tysdal remains hospitalized in critical condition following two surgeries, there is hope. His family has expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from the community, and while his road to recovery is still uncertain, the progress he has made thus far is encouraging. The outpouring of love and support for Tysdal further reflects the deep bonds within the firefighting community, where teamwork and camaraderie extend far beyond the fire lines.

The Attack: A Calculated Ambush
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain murky, but initial investigations suggest that the brush fire to which the firefighters responded was deliberately set by the gunman in order to lure emergency crews to the scene. Such a tactic is unprecedented and reveals a disturbing level of premeditation. The shooter, whose identity has not been released, opened fire on the firefighters soon after they arrived at the scene. What followed was an intense and harrowing firefight between the suspect and law enforcement, including officers from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and Coeur d’Alene Police Department. The shootout lasted for approximately 90 minutes, during which time firefighters were forced to seek cover while law enforcement worked to subdue the suspect.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, who was part of the operation, provided details of the standoff, which culminated in the death of the suspect. However, the motives behind the shooting remain unclear, leaving law enforcement and the public grappling for answers. Was this an act of personal vengeance, or was there a deeper, more systemic issue at play? What drives someone to such extreme lengths to attack those whose only aim is to protect others? These are questions that investigators are still working to answer.

The brazen nature of the attack has stunned not only the firefighting community but also the general public. Firefighters are often seen as heroes, willing to run toward danger while others flee. To have them targeted while performing their duties in response to a fire—a natural occurrence—marks a dark and troubling shift in how public servants are viewed. This incident raises serious questions about the security of first responders and how prepared they are to handle not just the physical dangers of their job but also the very real threat of intentional violence.

The Community’s Grief: Firefighting as a Family
In the aftermath of the attack, the city of Coeur d’Alene has come together in mourning. Fire Chief Tom Greif described the ambush as an “unthinkable tragedy,” acknowledging that while his department trains for various emergency scenarios, no amount of preparation could have prepared them for such a violent assault. The grief felt by the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department extends far beyond the loss of two of its own; it is a grief shared by the entire community. Local residents, businesses, and fellow public service organizations have rallied around the fallen firefighters’ families and those still recovering from the attack.

For the families of Harwood, Morrison, and Tysdal, this tragedy is a deeply personal loss. They are left to grapple with not only the emotional pain of losing a loved one but also the understanding that their loved ones were targeted while simply doing their job. This reality is one that many in the firefighting community have been forced to face in recent years, as attacks on first responders seem to have become more common in some parts of the country.

At the same time, the public has responded with an outpouring of support. In Coeur d’Alene, memorial services and fundraisers have been organized to honor the fallen firefighters and assist their families. The broader firefighting community has also come together, with firefighters from across the nation reaching out to express their condolences and solidarity. The tragedy has brought to light the inherent risks of the job but also the profound respect and admiration that the public has for those who serve.

Looking Forward: The Legacy of the Fallen Heroes
As the investigation continues and the community continues to process the events of that Sunday afternoon, the legacy of Frank Harwood, John Morrison, and Dave Tysdal will endure. Their lives, defined by courage, commitment, and service, are a testament to the dedication and sacrifices made by first responders every day. Their story is a reminder of the dangers inherent in protecting the public and the toll it takes on those who choose to run toward danger, not away from it.

While the immediate impact of this tragedy has left a scar on the community, the long-term effects will likely prompt broader discussions about the safety and security of first responders. How can fire departments and other emergency services better protect their personnel from such violent attacks? What measures can be put in place to ensure that public servants, whose sole mission is to serve and protect, are afforded the same level of safety and security as those they protect? These questions, and others, will likely be addressed in the coming months as the investigation into this ambush continues.

The families of Harwood and Morrison, as well as the community of Coeur d’Alene, will undoubtedly continue to mourn their loss, but they will also continue to honor the memory of these brave men, whose lives were tragically cut short while fulfilling their duty to serve. The story of their courage and sacrifice will serve as a lasting reminder of the risks faced by first responders and the debt of gratitude owed to them by all of society.

As for Dave Tysdal, his recovery remains uncertain, but the community’s support will undoubtedly continue to help him in his journey. His recovery, much like the healing of the larger community, will take time—but the outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, and family stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the firefighting family.

In the end, the tragic ambush on Canfield Mountain will not be defined solely by the horror of the attack but by the heroism and strength of the people it touched. The story of Frank Harwood, John Morrison, and Dave Tysdal will live on as a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.