Tragedy in Idaho: Firefighter Shooting Leaves Community Reeling
A 20-year-old man’s life appeared to have begun to unravel in the months before authorities say he fatally shot two firefighters and severely wounded a third as they responded to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Wess Roley was living out of his vehicle and his former roommate, T.J. Franks Jr., said he shaved off his long hair and started to “kind of go downhill.” The two lived together for about six months in Sandpoint, Idaho, until Roley moved out in January, Franks said Monday.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
Roley, who authorities say took his own life after Sunday’s shootings, is suspected of killing two battalion chiefs whose firefighting careers in Idaho spanned nearly half a century combined. The deaths of Frank Harwood, 42, with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and John Morrison, 52, with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, have left their colleagues reeling, resulting in their departments adding law enforcement to every call, no matter how routine.
“I don’t know that we’re ever going to be able to guarantee people’s peace of mind, at least for a while after an incident like this,” Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way said. “But we are taking every measure we can to ensure safety of our responders.”
The Investigation and Response
Roley had set a fire using flint at Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area, according to authorities. The firefighters who rushed to the scene found themselves under fire and took cover behind fire trucks.
“There was an interaction with the firefighters,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. “It has something to do with his vehicle being parked where it was.”
Two helicopters converged on the area, armed with snipers ready to take out the suspect if needed, while the FBI used his cellphone data to track him and the sheriff ordered residents to shelter in place. They eventually found Roley’s body in the mountains, his firearm beside him. He had killed himself, the sheriff said.
The Victims and Their Families
Harwood, one of the victims of the shooting, had been with the county fire department for 17 years, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way said during a news conference Monday. Harwood was married and had two children, and he also was a veteran of the Army National Guard.
Morrison, who was also killed, started his career with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in 1996 and had also worked as a paramedic.
Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Fire Engineer David Tysdal, 47, sustained gunshot wounds and was in critical condition. Authorities said he had two successful surgeries.
Community Reaction and Tribute
Hours after Sunday’s shooting, people gathered along Interstate 90 holding American flags to pay their respects as the two fallen firefighters’ bodies were taken to the medical examiner’s office in Spokane, Washington, about 35 miles from Coeur d’Alene.
On Tuesday, a procession of police and fire vehicles accompanied a hearse as onlookers along a quiet street held flags and in some cases saluted as the vehicles got underway. People dotted an overpass, where a fire truck bearing a large U.S. flag stood, as the procession passed on the interstate below.
Gov. Brad Little ordered U.S. and Idaho state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the firefighters until the day after their memorial service.
Conclusion
The shooting of the two firefighters has left the community in shock and has raised questions about the safety of first responders. As the investigation continues, the community comes together to mourn the loss of two brave men who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho? A: A 20-year-old man, Wess Roley, fatally shot two firefighters and severely wounded a third as they responded to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Q: Who were the victims of the shooting? A: The victims were Frank Harwood, 42, and John Morrison, 52, both battalion chiefs with combined firefighting careers spanning nearly half a century.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation? A: The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Q: How has the community reacted to the shooting? A: The community has come together to mourn the loss of the two firefighters, and a procession was held to honor their memory. Gov. Brad Little has also ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the firefighters.
