Who Was John Morrison? Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief Killed in Canfield Mountain Ambush

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, has been identified as one of the two firefighters tragically shot and killed on Sunday while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain.

Authorities say Morrison and fellow firefighter Frank Harwood, 42, were ambushed by suspect Wess Roley, whose body was later found near the scene with a firearm nearby. The incident is under investigation as a targeted attack on first responders.

Chief Morrison had dedicated 28 years to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, rising through the ranks from firefighter to battalion chief. At a Monday press conference, Fire Chief Tom Greif described Morrison as a consummate professional and a highly respected leader.

“John was the kind of firefighter we all strive to be,” Greif said. “He dedicated nearly three decades of his life to serving this community with integrity and heart.”

Gabe Eckert, President of the Coeur d’Alene Firefighters Union, shared a personal memory of Morrison:
“We talked about being better fathers, better leaders, better firefighters. These guys were hard workers. They loved their families.”

The second victim, Battalion Chief Frank Harwood of Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, served for 17 years and was a former combat engineer in the Army National Guard. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) confirmed the names of the fallen and issued a statement condemning the violence.
“In no civilized nation should first responders be targets for violence,” said IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly. “We mourn the loss of our two brothers… and we are keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers.”

Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal, also of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, was injured in the shooting and remains hospitalized.

The entire firefighting community, locally and nationally, continues to grieve this unprecedented and senseless loss. Tributes and memorial plans are expected in the coming days.