Nine first responders from across Idaho will receive the state’s highest honor for public service at a ceremony next month, recognizing acts of courage ranging from a dramatic canal rescue to other life-saving interventions. The Idaho Medal of Honor ceremony, scheduled for September 1, 2026, at the Lincoln Auditorium at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, will begin at 2 p.m. and is open to the public. Attorney General Raúl Labrador will attend the event.
Among the recipients is David Tysdal, an engineer with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, whose selection underscores the significant contributions of North Idaho’s emergency services to public safety across the state. The ceremony will feature an honor guard presentation, individual Medal of Honor presentations with citations, and remarks from the attorney general.
Off-Duty Rescue in Rural Bingham County
Two of the award recipients, Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman, both senior firefighters with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, responded to a two-vehicle collision on a rural roadway in Bingham County on October 5. One vehicle became partially submerged in a canal, trapping four occupants inside.
Adams and Newman were off-duty at the time but received a notification through the PulsePoint application alerting them to the emergency. They arrived on scene before on-duty emergency resources and immediately entered the frigid water to reach the trapped vehicle. Working quickly, they rescued all four occupants from the submerged vehicle, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome.
Recognition of Statewide Heroism
The remaining six award recipients represent emergency services agencies across Idaho. From the Pocatello Police Department, Corporal Francisco Torres and Sergeant Justin Buck will receive medals. Fire Captain Ernst Fritz Wiedenhoff of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District in the Panhandle region also earned recognition for his service.
Three deputies from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office will be honored: Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock, and Joshua Orr. Their inclusion reflects the critical role of county law enforcement in protecting North Idaho residents during emergencies and dangerous situations.
The Idaho Medal of Honor recognizes exceptional acts of bravery, heroism, and dedication to public service. Selection for the award reflects a commitment to protecting Idaho communities and saving lives, often at significant personal risk to the first responders involved.
What Comes Next
The ceremony on September 1 will provide an opportunity for families, colleagues, and community members to recognize the contributions of these nine individuals. Members of the public are welcome to attend the event at the Lincoln Auditorium. For additional details about the ceremony or the Idaho Medal of Honor recipients, contact the Attorney General’s office.
The recognition of Coeur d’Alene Fire Department’s David Tysdal and the three Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies reflects the vital role that North Idaho’s emergency services play in regional safety and disaster response. Similar acts of courage have been demonstrated by firefighters facing escalating challenges across the region, including those responding to record wildfire activity that has affected Idaho communities in recent years.