COEUR D’ALENE, ID – The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 7th District has publicly released the names of the three firefighters involved in Sunday’s fatal ambush near Coeur d’Alene which left two dead and one seriously injured.
Killed in the line of duty were:
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John Morrison, Battalion Chief with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and member of Coeur d’Alene Firefighters IAFF Local 710.
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Frank J. Harwood, Battalion Chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue and member of Kootenai County Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2856.
Seriously injured in the attack was David Tysdal, a Firefighter/Engineer with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and member of IAFF Local 710. Tysdal is currently hospitalized and fighting for his life.
The IAFF 7th District expressed deep sorrow in announcing the names and asked the public to support the families, departments, and fellow responders affected by the tragedy.
Local officials say the firefighters were responding to a reported wildfire on Canfield Mountain around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when they were fired upon around 2 p.m. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set as part of an ambush. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that a body found on the mountain is believed to be the sole suspect. A weapon was found nearby.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris said during a press briefing.
The identity of the suspected shooter was released on Monday as 20-year-old Wess Roley.
Governor Brad Little condemned the incident in a statement, calling it “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to continue processing the scene Monday.