Fatal Shooting of Two Firefighters in Idaho: Motive Unclear, Community in Shock

Authorities say 20-year-old Wess Roley, who took his own life after the shooting, was suspected of killing two firefighters and severely wounding a third as they responded to a wildfire near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The victims, Frank Harwood, 42, and John Morrison, 52, had a combined firefighting career spanning nearly half a century. The departments are adding law enforcement to every call, and a motive for the shooting remains unclear.

Key Takeaways:

• Wess Roley, 20, was suspected of killing two firefighters, Frank Harwood, 42, and John Morrison, 52, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, while responding to a wildfire.
• The two victims had a combined firefighting career spanning nearly 50 years, with Harwood serving for 17 years and Morrison starting his career in 1996.
• Roley took his own life after the shooting, and a motive for the attack remains unknown.
• Kootenai County Fire and Rescue has added law enforcement to every call, while the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department is reviewing its protocols.
• Gov. Brad Little has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the firefighters until after their memorial service.
• Harwood was married with two children and had served in the Army National Guard, while Morrison also worked as a paramedic.

Statistics:

• 2 firefighters killed: Frank Harwood, 42, and John Morrison, 52.
• 1 firefighter severely wounded: David Tysdal, 47.
• 20-year-old Wess Roley, suspected shooter, took his own life after the incident.
• 35 miles: distance from Coeur d'Alene to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Washington, where the incident occurred.
• 56 kilometers: distance from Coeur d'Alene to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Washington.
• 12 hours: time a vehicle was left running by Wess Roley's landlord reported to the police.

Sources:

• "Wess Roley, 20, appeared to be unraveling before fatal shooting of 2 firefighters near Coeur d'Alene." - The Spokesman-Review.
• Associated Press journalists Hallie Golden and Martha Bellisle, with contributions from Ed White.