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Coeur d'Alene Today
By the People, for the People
Idaho Firefighter and Deputies Honored for Heroism in Canfield Shooting
Coeur d'Alene firefighter and three deputies receive top awards for their actions during deadly ambush attack.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Four men in Idaho are receiving prestigious awards for their heroic actions during the deadly Canfield shooting last summer, which killed two firefighters in an 'ambush style' attack. Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Engineer David Tysdal was shot and paralyzed but used his radio to warn others, and he is being awarded the Medal of Honor. Three Kootenai County deputies - Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock and Josh Orr - developed a plan to extract the wounded firefighters and civilians while a wildfire was burning, and they are receiving the Attorney General's Medal of Honor Award and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor.
Why it matters
The Canfield shooting was a tragic incident that highlighted the dangers first responders can face, but the heroic actions of the firefighter and deputies show the bravery and dedication of public safety personnel who risk their lives to protect their community. The awards recognize their selfless courage and exemplify the finest of Idaho law enforcement and fire services.
The details
On June 29, a gunman opened fire on fire crews who responded to a fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, killing two firefighters in an 'ambush style' attack. Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Engineer David Tysdal was shot and paralyzed, but he used his radio to broadcast a description of the shooter, request law enforcement, and warn others. The three Kootenai County deputies - Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock and Josh Orr - arrived on the scene, found two firefighters dead and one severely wounded, and developed a plan to extract the firefighters and five civilians while a wildfire was burning.
- The Canfield shooting occurred on June 29.
- The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
The players
David Tysdal
Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Engineer who was shot and paralyzed during the Canfield shooting, but used his radio to warn others and is receiving the Medal of Honor, the highest medal given in Idaho.
John Morrison
52-year-old Coeur d'Alene Battalion Chief who was killed in the Canfield shooting.
Frank Harwood
42-year-old Coeur d'Alene Battalion Chief who was killed in the Canfield shooting.
Harvey Ballman
Kootenai County deputy who arrived on the scene, developed a plan to extract the firefighters and civilians, and is receiving the Attorney General's Medal of Honor Award and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor.
Arek Brock
Kootenai County deputy who arrived on the scene, developed a plan to extract the firefighters and civilians, and is receiving the Attorney General's Medal of Honor Award and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor.
Josh Orr
Kootenai County deputy who arrived on the scene, developed a plan to extract the firefighters and civilians, and is receiving the Attorney General's Medal of Honor Award and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor.
What they’re saying
“In the face of danger and the unknown, with disregard for their own personal safety, Deputies Ballman, Brock and Orr acted heroically to save lives and remove the two murdered firefighters from the approaching wildland fire.”
— Bob Norris, Kootenai County Sheriff (News release)
“It is a privilege to recognize these deputies' heroic actions and honor them with this award. Their selfless courage saved lives and exemplifies the finest of Idaho law enforcement.”
— Raul Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (News release)
The takeaway
The awards given to the firefighter and deputies highlight the bravery and dedication of public safety personnel who put their lives on the line to protect their community, even in the face of extreme danger. Their actions during the Canfield shooting exemplify the heroism and selflessness that are the hallmarks of Idaho's first responders.
