VIDEO: The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue identified the two firefighters shot and killed in an ambush attack on Sunday afternoon, as well as a third firefighter who was critically injured. At a press conference on Monday, officials said Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison were the two firefighters killed, and CDAFD Engineer David Tysdal was taken to the hospital after being shot. Chief Harwood was 42 years old and is survived by his wife and two children.
He was also a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Chief Morrison was 52 years old and joined the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in 1996 and served in many roles throughout his career. As of Monday, 47-year-old Tysdal had gone through two successful surgeries but remained in critical condition. Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif read a statement from Tysdal’s wife that reads as follows: “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.”
Coeur d’Alene Mayor Woody McEvers also spoke at the press conference, expressing his condolences and gratitude to the firefighters who died. “Firefighters have a special place in my heart. They do what they do out of love for the job and their community. It’s a difficult and dangerous job, but the dangers encountered [Sunday] is not something they ever thought they would have to face. Face it they did, with courage and honor. I am proud of them, and I honor them,” said McEvers. “I am so grateful to see how everyone has rallied around the families and colleagues of these firefighters. We live in a very special community of very special people.”
