Idaho Governor Brad Little and Attorney General Raul Labrador on Tuesday awarded the Idaho Medal of Honor to five of nine first responders recognized for their actions during the deadly Canfield Mountain ambush, according to kxly.com. The ceremony paid tribute to those who ran toward an attack that took the lives of two battalion chiefs and sent three firefighters to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
Two Chiefs Lost, Honored in Opening Tribute
The ambush cost Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison their lives. Attorney General Labrador opened the ceremony with a moment of silence dedicated to both fallen chiefs before the medal presentations began.
Law Enforcement and Fire Personnel Recognized
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock, and Joshua Wesley Orr each received recognition, as did Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Captain Ernst Fritz Wiedenhoff. All four were among the first law enforcement and fire personnel to reach the scene after the attack began.
Paralyzed Engineer Credited With Saving Lives
Northern Lakes Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal was honored for actions he took after being shot and instantly paralyzed. Despite his injuries, Tysdal grabbed his radio to warn incoming responders and call for additional help — a decision officials said helped prevent further casualties and allowed for an organized response.
Labrador praised Tysdal’s composure under those conditions, saying his “unwavering presence of mind, and selflessness contributed to preventing further injuries and enabling a coordinated and effective response,” and that Tysdal “showed great determination and bravery,” as reported by kxly.com.
Governor Little spoke to the significance of the day’s honors: “We can never fully repay those who risk everything to protect us. But today we can say that we see your sacrifice, we honor your bravery, and we are profoundly grateful for your service to the people of Idaho.”