Thoughts & Prayers: In the aftermath of the shootings in North Idaho

On June 29, two courageous firefighters — Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief and Gonzaga alumnus John Morrison (’96), and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood — were killed in a horrific shooting incident while responding to an intentionally set brush fire. Firefighter-Engineer David Tysdal, was severely wounded and remains hospitalized. The attack on these dedicated and selfless heroes has left us with heavy hearts and deep sadness for their families and colleagues.

For more than 28 years, Chief Morrison, a beloved member of the Gonzaga family, was a dedicated firefighter with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. He embodied the values we cherish at GU -- integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community. His wife, Jill; father, John, (’79 deceased); mother, longtime Student Accounts and Financial Aid staff member Rita, (deceased); and sisters, Margaret “Tina” (Morrison) Bondy, (’92), and Sarah (‘97); supported John’s noble service throughout his career.

On behalf of the Gonzaga Community, I extend my deepest condolences to the Morrison, Harwood, and Tysdal families, and to all first responders impacted by this terrible incident. We honor their bravery and the sacrifices that first responders make daily to protect others. These men served with honor and selflessness, reflecting values that resonate deeply within our Jesuit calling to be “men and women for and with others.”

A Celebration of Life for Chief Morrison is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, and for Chief Harwood on Friday, July 11, in Coeur d’Alene, with services limited to family, friends, and uniformed personnel. Expressions of sympathy and condolences for Chief Morrison can be sent to 300 E. Foster Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814, and for Chief Harwood to 5271 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls, Idaho 83854. Donations for the family of Chief Morrison can be made here.

We mourn deeply with the families, loved ones, and every firefighter and first responder affected by this horrific act of violence. We pray for healing — for the families of the fallen, those wounded, and for all who have experienced trauma from this attack, including families and our colleagues and friends in the Coeur d'Alene area.

St. Ignatius reminds us that when the world around us is difficult and uncertain, we can be most certain that God is walking with us. We are thus called to be beacons of hope and support, even in times of pain and mourning, walking alongside those who are processing this unspeakable tragedy.

A reminder that Gonzaga offers spiritual support and counseling. Those GU community members that have been impacted by these or similar events are encouraged to utilize the University’s Care and Support Resources.

Please join me in lifting up John, Frank, David, their families and friends, and all the frontline heroes that service our communities every day in our thoughts and prayers.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”