Battalion Chief Frank Harwood - Kootenai County Fire & Rescue - Idaho

Battalion Chief Frank Harwood - Kootenai County Fire & Rescue - Idaho

On June 29, 2025, fire crews were dispatched to a fire on Canfield Mountain at approximately 1:21 p.m.  (PDT).  Almost immediately upon arrival, firefighters came under gunfire forcing them to take cover.

More than 300 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, including the FBI and SWAT, responded to the scene.  Police snipers also searched the area via helicopters.  

During the barrage of gunfire, two firefighters were killed and another was injured.  One of the firefighters that was killed was Battalion Chief Frank Harwood who was 42 years old.  

The suspect was later identified as a 20 year old Idaho transplant with a history of behavioral issues.  A handwritten note in his vehicle stated, "Tomorrow, I shall go into battle....I bid thee farewell".  It was determined that the suspect had intentionally set the fire to lure first responders to the area.  Authorities described the incident as a "total ambush".  The suspect had also tried to join the fire department and had become angry when he was told that he needed to go through training and testing. He had also tried to join the Army twice with no success.  

Battalion Chief Frank Harwood served with the Kootenai County Fire & Rescue for 17 years, was a former Army National Guard combat engineer.  Harwood is survived by his wife and two children.

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" campaign, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Kootenai County Fire & Rescue and to Harwood's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Kootenai County, Idaho. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.

  

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