Families of the Fallen, a local nonprofit organization, has launched a fundraising drive for the families of the firefighters who lost their lives in the attack that occurred just outside of Coeur d’Alene last weekend.
The senseless attack, which authorities have characterized as an ambush, claimed the lives of Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d Alene Fire Department.
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Dave Tysdal, a third firefighter, also suffered critical injuries.
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Blackfoot is home to the local 501c3 non-profit organization Families of the Fallen. To recognize and preserve the memories of those who gave their lives while serving as first responders is the organization’s stated objective.
“The families of Morrison and Harwood will receive 100% of all donations to the nonprofit during the month of July,” Executive Director Nicholas Buell told EastIdahoNews.com.
We are committed to giving their families the full support, direction, and help they need during their whole journey because we understand the immense loss they have experienced,” Buell added.
During his brief tenure as a California police officer, Buell attended the funerals of acquaintances and colleagues. Buell claims that his inspiration for starting the organization came from the incident.
Additionally, the International Association of Firefighters’ Idaho Falls chapter started a GoFundMeto page generate funds for the cause. Since its July 4 launch, it has raised almost $2,600 of its $25,000 target.
