SPOKANE, Wash. – Hundreds of people lined Interstate 90 overpasses from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene to honor two fallen firefighters during a procession.
Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood were remembered as crowds gathered on nearly every overpass along the route. Bagpipes played as first responders and community members waited for the procession to begin. Helicopters flew overhead as people waved flags.
At the Arthur overpass, dozens waited for the procession to pass through. Many never knew the firefighters personally, but came to pay their respects.
“My son’s a firefighter, and this is very near and dear to me,” said Leslie, a community member. “It breaks my heart. It’s just very sad and awful that people do this.”
One man who attended went to Mead High School with Battalion Chief Morrison.
“He was a good guy. Funny. Dedicated to his family and dedicated to his job,” Tom Flanigan said.
Fire departments from across the region participated. Spokane Fire was there, along with South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue.
South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue Chief Shane Stocking said it was their duty to support their brothers and sisters, but the hundreds of community members made him emotional.
“This is a special area of this country that we live in and even the most devastating and tragic circumstances, this shows the good that is still out here in this community,” he said.
As the procession passed below, silence fell over the crowd. The grief was heavy, but so was the unity.
“We love to serve our communities out here. But to see their support back at us is special. Even in the worst of days,” Stocking said.
Many fought back tears as they mourned the deaths of Battalion Chiefs Morrison and Harwood – two heroes taken too soon.
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