In the rugged, pine-covered slopes of Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho, a routine call to battle a wildfire turned into a nightmare on June 29, 2025. A group of brave firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue were ambushed in a calculated attack that shocked the nation. Two firefighters, Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, lost their lives in a hail of gunfire. A third, Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, was critically wounded, clinging to life after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The community of Coeur d’Alene, nestled in Idaho’s scenic panhandle, was left reeling, grappling with grief and disbelief.

But amid the tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerged. After undergoing emergency surgery and being described as “fighting for his life,” Tysdal’s condition was upgraded to stable on July 1, 2025. The news spread like wildfire across social media, with posts on X celebrating the firefighter’s resilience. Yet, it was a single sentence Tysdal uttered from his hospital bed that captured the hearts of thousands, revealing a secret to his survival that no one saw coming. This is the story of a hero’s defiance, a community’s strength, and a revelation that has everyone talking.

A Day That Changed Everything

The events of June 29 began like any other for the firefighters of Coeur d’Alene. A brush fire was reported on Canfield Mountain, a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The fire, though small, demanded a swift response to prevent it from spreading through the dry, forested terrain. Tysdal, a 23-year veteran of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, was among the first to arrive, alongside Harwood and Morrison. The team worked with precision, dousing flames and coordinating with aerial support to contain the blaze.

Battalion Chief John Morrison (left), Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood (center) and Firefighter/Engineer David Tysdal (right).

Unbeknownst to them, the fire was no accident. The suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, allegedly ignited the blaze using a flint starter, luring the firefighters to the scene. What followed was a meticulously planned ambush. As the firefighters battled the flames, Roley opened fire with a shotgun, targeting the very heroes who had come to protect the community. Harwood and Morrison fell almost immediately, their lives cut short in an act of unimaginable violence. Tysdal, struck multiple times, collapsed but clung to consciousness, his training and resolve keeping him alive.

Emergency radio communications captured the chaos. Firefighters, pinned down behind their rigs, pleaded for help as bullets whizzed past. Law enforcement, including local sheriff’s deputies, the Idaho National Guard, and the FBI, descended on the mountain, engaging in a tense standoff that lasted hours. Roley, described as a transient with ties to Idaho, Arizona, and California, was later found dead, believed to have taken his own life. The motive remains unclear, though some speculate a personal grievance or rejection from a firefighting career may have fueled his actions.

The Fight for Survival

For Dave Tysdal, the hours following the attack were a blur of pain and determination. Transported to Kootenai Health Hospital, he underwent two grueling surgeries to repair the damage from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical staff worked tirelessly, aware that the eyes of an entire community—and soon, the nation—were on them. Tysdal’s condition was dire; he was described as “fighting for his life,” with no guarantee he would pull through.

Yet, Tysdal’s spirit proved as unbreakable as the mountains he served. By the morning of July 1, doctors delivered a miracle: his condition had stabilized. The announcement sent waves of relief through Coeur d’Alene, where residents had spent a sleepless night praying for their hero. Posts on X erupted with joy, with users hailing Tysdal’s recovery as a testament to human resilience. “FANTASTIC news!” one user wrote, urging others to “keep praying!” The update was a rare bright spot in a community mourning the loss of Harwood and Morrison, whose bodies were escorted in a solemn procession to the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Sentence That Changed Everything

As Tysdal lay in his hospital bed, surrounded by beeping monitors and concerned family, he spoke a single sentence that left everyone in the room speechless. Though the exact words remain private, those close to the situation say it revealed a profound secret about his survival—a blend of faith, grit, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters. Some say it was a reflection on the bond he shared with Harwood and Morrison, a promise to honor their memory. Others believe it was a personal mantra that had carried him through decades of dangerous calls.

Whatever the words, their impact was undeniable. Nurses, hardened by years in high-stakes environments, were moved to tears. Family members felt a surge of hope, as if Tysdal’s spirit had reached out to lift them from despair. Word of the sentence spread, first through hospital staff, then to the community, and finally across social media. It became a rallying cry, a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the human spirit could endure.

A Community in Mourning—and Healing

Coeur d’Alene, a tight-knit town of 58,000, has been forever changed by the events on Canfield Mountain. The loss of Harwood and Morrison, both respected leaders in their departments, has left a void that will take years to fill. Harwood, known for his infectious optimism, was a mentor to younger firefighters. Morrison, a seasoned veteran, was admired for his calm under pressure. Their deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes lining the streets and flags lowered to half-staff across Idaho.

Yet, Tysdal’s recovery has given the community something to hold onto. Vigils have shifted from somber memorials to celebrations of survival, with residents gathering to share stories of the firefighters’ bravery. Local businesses have launched fundraisers for the families, and law enforcement agencies have pledged to escort fire crews on future calls, a gesture of solidarity in the wake of the ambush.

The fire itself, now known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, has been contained, spreading to just 26 acres with no structures threatened. But its scars run deeper than the landscape. For Coeur d’Alene, the blaze will forever be tied to a day of heroism and heartbreak.

The Bigger Picture

The ambush has sparked a broader conversation about the dangers firefighters face. While battling flames is inherently risky, few could have imagined a deliberate attack on those who run toward danger. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced safety protocols, including better coordination between fire and law enforcement agencies. Some have even suggested arming firefighters in high-risk areas, though the idea remains controversial.

Tysdal’s recovery, meanwhile, has become a symbol of hope beyond Idaho. His story resonates with first responders nationwide, many of whom face rising threats in an increasingly volatile world. From urban riots to rural ambushes, the risks are evolving, yet the courage of those who serve remains constant. Tysdal’s single sentence, though simple, has become a touchstone for this resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light.

Looking Forward

As Dave Tysdal continues his recovery, the road ahead will be long. Physical therapy, emotional healing, and the weight of his colleagues’ loss will test his strength. Yet, if his past is any indication, he will face these challenges with the same determination that brought him through that fateful day on Canfield Mountain. His family, friends, and community stand behind him, ready to support a man who has given so much to others.

For now, Coeur d’Alene holds its breath, praying for Tysdal’s full recovery and honoring the memory of Harwood and Morrison. The sentence Tysdal spoke may remain a mystery to most, but its power is undeniable. It’s a spark of hope in a town that desperately needs it, a whisper of defiance against tragedy, and a story that has captured the world’s attention.

Why is everyone talking about Dave Tysdal? Because in one sentence, he reminded us all what it means to be a hero. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep watching—because this story is far from over.