Two battalion chiefs killed by a sniper at a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene Sunday have been identified.
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Coeur d'Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, were shot and killed.
Coeur d'Alene Engineer David Tysdal, 47, who was injured, has gone through two surgeries. He is in critical condition, according to KREM2.
Harwood is survived by his wife and two children. He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard.
Morrison served in a number of roles since joining the department in 1996.
At a press conference, Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif read a statement from Tysdal's wife.
"We thank everyone for their love and support. Dave is surrounded by his family, and he is able to open his eyes, and the two surgeries have gone well."
Mayor Woody McEvers told the media: "Firefighters have a special place in my heart. They do what they do out of love for the job and their community. It's a difficult and dangerous job, but the dangers encountered [Sunday] is not something they ever thought they would have to face. Face it they did, with courage and honor. I am proud of them, and I honor them. I am so grateful to see how everyone has rallied around the families and colleagues of these firefighters. We live in a very special community of very special people."
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said the suspect, Wess Roley, 20, set the brush fire and ambushed the firefighters.
"He did have a discussion with the firefighters when they came on the scene," Norris said, adding that the conversation was about where his car was parked.
"He wanted to be a firefighter," the sheriff said.
Norris said he didn't know if he had applied to local departments but had expressed interest in being a firefighter.
Roley, who fired on police and firefighters, was found dead. A shotgun was nearby.
Norris said they have no motive for the shooting. "There was no manifesto."
His previous encounters with local police involved trespassing and welfare checks., all minor things.
Norris said the scene remains active as the investigation continues. Roley's vehicle, pushed over an embankment by deputies, has not been searched.
