Idaho Firefighters Killed in Ambush Identified

The two firefighters who were killed in Idaho on Sunday after a shooter ambushed first responders attempting to battle a wildfire have been identified.

Both men were battalion chiefs in their respective departments. Per KXLY, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison were identified as the firefighters killed.

Harwood had been with his department for 17 years, while Morrison, 52, had been with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department for nearly 29 years.

The firefighter who was injured in the ambush was Coeur d'Alene Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal, who has been with the department for nearly 30 years. He was taken to Kootenai Health and is receiving treatment in the ICU.

Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif said, "Yesterday was one of the most absolute darkest days either of these organizations has ever faced."

A procession along Interstate 90 on Sunday night saw the two firefighters brought to the medical examiner’s office in Spokane. During the 36-mile drive, people lined the overpasses as the procession of law enforcement, firefighters, and ambulances passed through. Since arriving at the office, firefighters from Coeur d'Alene have stood vigil. Another procession will take place on Tuesday morning to bring the firefighters back to Coeur d'Alene.

International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly said in a statement, "Yesterday’s ambush killing of two fire fighters responding to a brush fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is nothing short of horrific. We mourn the loss of our two brothers, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief and Local 710 member John Morrison, Jr., and Kootenai County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief and Local 2856 member Frank Harwood, and are keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers. Our thoughts are also with Local 710 Brother, Coeur d’Alene Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal, who was shot and remains hospitalized."

"In no civilized nation should first responders be targets for violence. The IAFF is committed to making a dangerous job safer for fire fighters and emergency medical workers, and that means working with our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure those who commit these heinous acts are held responsible," he continued.

"IAFF members are trained and committed to responding to any emergency, no matter the danger. That is as true today as tomorrow. Our brothers and sisters in Idaho will continue to serve their communities, even during these difficult times.”

The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley. Authorities said on Monday that the gunman, who was found dead, used a shotgun. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press conference on Sunday night, "We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional. These firefighters did not have a chance."