When a wildfire broke out in northern Idaho, firefighters rushed to save homes. But none of them expected to be ambushed.
Two Heroes Gunned Down While Fighting Fire
On a seemingly routine deployment in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, tragedy struck when two experienced battalion chiefs, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, were shot and killed while working to control a fire on Canfield Mountain. A third firefighter survived with serious injuries.
According to authorities cited by PEOPLE, the suspect — 20-year-old Wess Roley — appeared to have planned the deadly ambush. After the attack, he turned the gun on himself.
The Chilling Clues He Left Behind
Inside Roley’s apartment, police found sketches of himself holding a shotgun, and a farewell letter addressed to his father. In the note, Roley wrote that he was “going into battle.” Investigators believe he viewed the attack as some kind of twisted mission.
Though Roley had previously expressed admiration for first responders and attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army, he never made it in. His writings reveal deep frustration with society and a growing detachment from reality.
A Community Shaken by Loss
The deaths of Harwood and Morrison have left the local firefighting community devastated. Both men were known not just for their service, but for mentoring younger firefighters and supporting local families during fire season.
Now, their families and colleagues are preparing funerals instead of fighting flames.
What Happens Next?
Local and federal investigators are still piecing together what led Roley to commit this act of violence. Mental health, past rejections, and a desire for chaos all appear to be factors.
One thing is clear: the loss of two public servants in an act of senseless violence will ripple far beyond Idaho’s borders.
Help Others See This Story
Too often, the heroes who run toward danger are forgotten when tragedy strikes.
Share this story to honor their memory — and to remind others of the risks our first responders face every day.