The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has shared how nearly 80 members from across Idaho are stepping in to provide 48-hour shift coverage, beginning 9 July, for Local 710, Local 2856 and Northern Lakes, Idaho Local 4045.
Following the ambush attack in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Local 710 Battalion Chief John Morrison and Kootenai County, Idaho Local 2856 Battalion Chief Frank Harwood were fatally injured and Local 710 Fire Fighter-Engineer Dave Tysdal was left hospitalized.
According to the IAFF, in the fire service, “no one fights alone” is more than just a motto, it’s a way of life.
Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho (PFFI) Vice President Matt Smith commented: “This tremendous undertaking has been made possible through the cooperative coordination between the PFFI, the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association and the area leaders whose combined efforts and partnership have made the support possible.”
The coverage will allow members from the Locals to attend funeral services on Thursday and Friday, 10-11 July and maintain a round-the-clock guard at the funeral home.
PFFI Secretary/ Treasurer Curtis Smith shared: “Surrounding agencies have stepped up to help, and the outpouring of support has been outstanding and enormous,.
“Volunteer requests filled up within 48 hours, with some members driving up to 10 hours to assist.”
Affiliates in neighboring Washington state, like Spokane Valley, WA Local 876, also stepped in to assist in covering shifts, provide peer support and perform honor guard duties.
Local 876 President Ben James added: “We’ve done a whole bunch of the debriefing and helping with some of the peer support.
“We sent crews over at the initial event. I had three crews over there when the event occurred.
“They cared for us when we had our line-of-duty death involving Local 876 Fire Fighter/EMT Dan Patterson a couple of years ago and they’re also family to us.”
Several other Locals in the surrounding region, including Northern Lakes, ID Local 4045 and Spokane, WA Local 29, were part of the initial response and are involved in the ongoing support efforts.
James continued: “They were also part of the procession. We were part of all that—just helping however we could.”
Across the region, IAFF leaders expressed deep gratitude to their communities for the support shown in the face of tragedy.
PFFI President Rob Shoplock added: “On behalf of the 1,500 members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho, we ask our communities across the state and nation to stand in solidarity with the families and departments impacted.
“Our members will continue to answer the call – today, tomorrow and every day into the future. We stand – now and always – with our fallen brothers of Locals 710 and 2856 and their families.”
7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh also highlighted the strength and unity within the IAFF community.
Walsh shared: “The 7th District is a tight knit community within the great IAFF. We have strong leadership that are working with resources dispatched by General President Kelly to assure our fallen are appropriately honored, their families are taken care of and the needs of our members in Local 710, Local 2856 and Local 4045 are met. We will not leave anyone behind.”
The IAFF has shared how members from its 7th District have stepped in to provide 48-hour shift coverage for Local 710, Local 2856 and Northern Lakes, Idaho Local 4045.
