COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department announced a new Battalion Chief has been promoted following the tragic death of former Battalion Chief John Morrison.
Captain Tom Hiltenbrand was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief on Thursday. He has been with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department for the past 20 years.
“His dedication, strength, and compassion have long made him a pillar of our department, and we know he will carry this new responsibility with the same integrity and heart he’s always shown,” the fire department said. “Captain Hiltenbrand steps into a role left by the passing of Battalion Chief John Morrison, a man whose presence, wisdom, and courage shaped the very soul of our fire family.”
Battalion Chief Morrison was shot and killed while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in June. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood was also killed in the ambush.
The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department says Chief Morrison’s absence was deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in those who follow in his footsteps.
“We carry both pride and sorrow today–but above all, we carry on,” the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department said.
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