On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, the serene landscape of Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, became the site of an unthinkable tragedy. Two veteran firefighters, Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, lost their lives in a calculated ambush while responding to a brush fire. A third firefighter, Engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, was critically injured, leaving a community in shock and a nation grappling with the senseless loss of first responders who embodied courage and service.

The Incident: A Routine Call Turns Deadly

At approximately 1:21 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular area for hiking and outdoor recreation just north of Coeur d’Alene. The call appeared routine, with firefighters from multiple local departments, including Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, mobilizing to contain the blaze before it could spread. Canfield Mountain, with its mix of forested trails and open terrain, is no stranger to small wildfires, especially during the dry summer months.

Among the responders were Frank Harwood and John Morrison, both seasoned battalion chiefs with decades of experience. Harwood, a 17-year veteran, was known for his leadership at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, while Morrison, with 28 years at Coeur d’Alene Fire, had risen through the ranks from firefighter to a respected commander. Engineer Dave Tysdal, a 23-year veteran, was also part of the response team.

As the firefighters arrived and began assessing the situation, they encountered a young man, later identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, near the fire. According to accounts, the firefighters engaged in a brief interaction with Roley, asking him to move his vehicle to allow better access for their equipment. What happened next was unimaginable: Roley, armed with a high-powered rifle, opened fire on the unsuspecting crew in what authorities have described as a deliberate ambush. Harwood and Morrison were fatally wounded, pronounced dead upon arrival at Kootenai Health hospital. Tysdal sustained severe gunshot injuries and was rushed into emergency surgery, where he remains in critical condition.

The Suspect and the Motive

Wess Roley, the alleged perpetrator, was found dead at the scene, though the circumstances of his death remain under investigation. Authorities believe Roley intentionally set the brush fire, which grew to approximately 26 acres, as a lure to draw first responders to the remote location. His actions suggest a premeditated plan to target firefighters, a chilling escalation of violence against public servants.

Roley, who had moved to North Idaho in 2024, was described by those who knew him as an avid outdoorsman with an interest in forestry. Some reports indicate he had previously expressed a desire to become a firefighter, though no formal applications were recorded by local departments. In the hours leading up to the attack, Roley posted a cryptic social media image of himself in camouflage, holding rifle shells, accompanied by a song lyric hinting at “going hunting.” This post, now seen as a grim foreshadowing, has added to the community’s struggle to comprehend the motive behind such a targeted act.

While the investigation continues, law enforcement has noted that Roley had prior, non-criminal interactions with local police, suggesting he was known but not previously considered a threat. The reasons for his actions—whether driven by personal grievances, mental health issues, or other factors—remain unclear, leaving a grieving community searching for answers.

The Victims: Heroes of Service

Frank Harwood and John Morrison were more than firefighters; they were pillars of their departments and their communities. Harwood, a 42-year-old husband and father of two, brought a quiet strength to his role. A former combat engineer in the U.S. Army National Guard, he combined military discipline with a deep commitment to protecting lives and property. Colleagues remember him as a leader who led by example, always willing to mentor younger firefighters and tackle the toughest challenges with calm resolve. His 17 years with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, part of the Northern Lakes Fire Department’s collaborative network, were marked by dedication and professionalism.

John Morrison, 52, was a veteran of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, having joined in 1996. Over his 28-year career, he progressed from firefighter to battalion chief, earning respect for his expertise and compassion. Morrison was known for his ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level, often sharing moments of reflection that left lasting impressions. In one such moment, a fellow firefighter recalled a quiet evening at the station where Morrison spoke about striving to be a better father, leader, and firefighter—words that now resonate deeply in the wake of his loss.

Dave Tysdal, the surviving firefighter, is a 47-year-old engineer with 23 years of service. As of July 1, 2025, he has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition, with the community rallying around his family in hope of his recovery. Tysdal’s resilience mirrors the spirit of the firefighting brotherhood, where courage in the face of danger is a shared bond.

Community Response: Grief and Solidarity

The ambush sent shockwaves through Coeur d’Alene, a city of about 55,000 residents near the Washington border, known for its tight-knit community and scenic beauty. By Sunday evening, as news of the attack spread, residents were urged to shelter in place, with emergency alerts covering areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street. The fire, still burning into Monday, added to the chaos, requiring additional crews to contain it while law enforcement secured the scene.

On Monday, June 30, fire chiefs from Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alene, alongside union leaders, held a press conference to share the devastating news. The identification of Harwood and Morrison as the fallen heroes prompted an outpouring of grief. Social media platforms saw an influx of tributes, with posts expressing gratitude for the firefighters’ sacrifice and prayers for their families. Community members gathered along Interstate 90, holding American flags, as a procession carried the fallen firefighters’ bodies to Spokane for examination.

Local organizations, including the Innovia Foundation, quickly established funds to support the families of Harwood, Morrison, and Tysdal. Fire departments across Idaho and beyond issued statements of solidarity, emphasizing the brotherhood that unites firefighters in times of tragedy. Idaho Governor Brad Little publicly mourned the loss, calling the attack a “heinous assault” on those who serve, and urged residents to honor the fallen by supporting their families.

The Broader Impact: A Call for Reflection

The Canfield Mountain ambush has sparked broader conversations about the risks firefighters face and the increasing threats to first responders. While firefighting is inherently dangerous, an attack of this nature—deliberate and targeted—is rare and deeply unsettling. It raises questions about how departments can prepare for such unpredictable threats and how communities can better protect those who risk their lives daily.

For Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, the loss of Harwood and Morrison is a wound that will take time to heal. Memorials are already being planned, with a procession scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, to honor the fallen chiefs. The community’s response—marked by unity, generosity, and resolve—reflects the strength that Harwood and Morrison embodied in their service.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the families, honoring the legacy of two remarkable firefighters, and praying for Dave Tysdal’s recovery. The tragedy on Canfield Mountain is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who run toward danger, and it calls on us all to cherish and protect the heroes among us.