Idaho Medal of Honor recipients honored at Capitol
Idaho Medal of Honor recipients honored at Capitol
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Key Points
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Two Coeur d’Alene Fire Department firefighters, John Morrison and Frank Harwood, were killed in the Canfield Mountain ambush, a deadly turn in the event that underpins the Medal of Honor recognitions.
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Ernst Fritz Wiedenhoff, captain of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, was named a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions on Canfield Mountain, highlighting the diverse agencies involved in the ambush response.
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Wess Roley, the gunman behind the Canfield Mountain incident, started a fire to lure responders to the area and died by suicide, a detail that framed the ambush context for Medal of Honor recipients.
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David Tysdal, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Engineer, was shot in the back and paralyzed during the ambush; he rolled his wheelchair to receive the Medal of Honor, with his family in attendance emphasizing the personal sacrifice.
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Adams and Newman (Idaho Falls Fire Department) were recognized for lifesaving actions after a PulsePoint notification led them to a two-vehicle crash in rural Bingham County, where four occupants were rescued from a partially submerged vehicle in frigid canal water.
Nine Idaho first responders were honored with the Idaho Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the state Capitol, recognizing extraordinary courage in life-threatening situations. Idaho State Journal reported that five law enforcement officers and four firefighters received the award for acts including rescuing people from submerged vehicles, entering burning homes, and surviving a deadly ambush that killed two of their colleagues.
Pocatello Officer Saves Woman From Smoke-Filled Home
Pocatello Corporal Francisco Torres entered a smoke-filled home without protective gear to rescue an unconscious 81-year-old woman. Idaho Press reported that Torres found the woman unresponsive and carried her to safety, likely saving her life. The act of rushing into dangerous conditions with no equipment exemplified the medal's recognition of gallantry beyond normal duty.
Idaho Falls Firefighters Rescue Four From Frozen Canal
Idaho Falls Fire Department Senior Firefighters Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman, both off-duty, rescued four people from a submerged vehicle in frigid canal water. Idaho State Journal reported that a PulsePoint notification alerted them to a two-vehicle crash in rural Bingham County. The firefighters dove into the water and extracted all four occupants from the partially submerged wreck without standard rescue gear.
Canfield Mountain Ambush Survivors Honored for Bravery
Three Kootenai County deputies and one fire engineer were recognized for actions during the 2025 Canfield Mountain ambush. Lewiston Morning Tribune reported that deputies Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock, and Joshua Orr, along with Coeur d'Alene Fire Engineer David Tysdal, responded to a gunman who had set a fire to lure responders. The ambush killed firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood, making the medal a tribute to fallen colleagues.
David Tysdal was shot in the back during the ambush and became paralyzed. Idaho Business Review reported that Tysdal rolled to the stage in his wheelchair to receive the medal, with his family present. His willingness to continue serving despite permanent injury exemplified the spirit the award recognizes.
Governor and Attorney General Praise Acts of Courage
Governor Brad Little and Attorney General Raul Labrador presided over the ceremony at the Idaho State Capitol. Idaho Business Review reported that state leaders emphasized the awards recognize selfless sacrifice that goes far beyond what people are paid or trained to do. The nine recipients came from law enforcement and fire agencies across Idaho, demonstrating courage across multiple disciplines and regions.
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