Who Was Frank Harwood? Kootenai County Fire Chief Killed in Canfield Mountain Tragedy

Kootenai County, Idaho — Frank Harwood, 42, has been identified as one of the two firefighters tragically killed during Sunday’s shooting in the Canfield Mountain area outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Harwood was the Chief of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and had dedicated 17 years to the department. A former combat engineer with the Army National Guard, he was also a devoted husband and father of two.

The fatal shooting occurred as firefighters responded to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Authorities later discovered the body of a man near the scene, with a firearm found nearby. The incident remains under investigation.

Images from the scene show firefighters returning from the area where the tragedy unfolded — a somber reminder of the risks first responders face, even in routine calls.

At a press conference Monday, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way paid tribute to his fallen colleague. “He was a leader who did an amazing job,” Way said. “He was well respected.”

Harwood’s death has sent ripples of grief throughout the firefighting and first responder community. Tributes and messages of support have poured in as Idaho mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant who gave his life in the line of duty.

More information, including memorial arrangements, is expected in the coming days.