Coeur d’Alene 4th of July parade honors fallen firefighters

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The American Heroes Parade in Coeur d’Alene took on a whole new meaning this year as the community honored fallen firefighters and one still fighting for his life.

“I mean, it really hits home,” said Karissa and Caleb Kirk.

The crowd, flags and somber expressions were all to honor Coeur d’Alene’s heroes John Morrison and Frank Harwood, who lost their lives Sunday. Fire engineer David Tysdal is still fighting for his life in the hospital.

“Firemen hold a special place in people’s hearts because they save people. So when something like this happens, it touches the hearts of people, and it makes you realize just how important they are and also how precious life is,” said Deborah Jondall and Becky Estepp.

The parade was led by two riderless horses in honor of the two fallen firefighters and followed by members of both Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.

“It was very touching, a lot of tears,” said the Kirks.

Parade goers stood, clapped and thanked the men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The parade drew people who come every year, families who travel from out of state for the event and those who hadn’t been in a while but felt this one was especially important to attend.

“After what we just went through this last week, it was especially important for our family to come out and just be together and support everyone,” said Jondall and Estepp.

Deborah Jondall knows how important it is to show support for first responders.

“My husband’s a retired fireman. So it touched my heart. It’s great to come out and support everyone and support the families of the lost firemen,” she said.

The community support proved healing and encouraging.

“I just felt really, honestly encouraged with the community and seeing the firefighters’ support for them,” the Kirks said.

The parade served as a testament to the strength and support the community has during difficult times.