Utah firefighters show solidarity for two killed in Idaho ambush

Update: Kootenai County Fire & Rescue posted a link on Facebook to a general donation fund, supporting all three families that were impacted.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Fire departments across Utah express solidarity after two firefighters were killed while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Seemingly every fire department is using social media to show their solidarity. In a Facebook post, Garland Fire encouraged people “to take a moment to reflect on the bravery and strength of those who put everything on the line to keep us safe.” The post added, “Their legacy will live on in the lives they touched and the communities they served.” 

Mountain Green Fire District is another agency mourning the loss. “When we hear that some lunatic opened fire on our firefighters, especially ones that are doing wildland firefighting, it saddens us beyond the pale,” Chief Brian Brendel told ABC4.

Weber County Fire District commended the first responders who were on scene. “The resilience and the heroics of those firefighters under fire and trying to help their comrades in arms,” Weber Fire Warden Cpt. Richard Cooper stated. “It’s just a tragic, tragic incident.”  

“First and foremost, our hearts go out,” said Ogden City Deputy Fire Chief Mike Slater. “Having been in the fire service for quite some time, it’s amazing to see the evolution of what we call threats. Who would have ever thought that there’d be a day and age where somebody would call for help and then they’re a threat to your well-being and your family’s well-being?”  

While comforting their fellow firefighters during this time is the number one priority, many agencies are also thinking about safety. “I sent out a group text today talking to my wildland duty officers just to say, ‘You know what, listen to that internal gut instinct if it doesn’t feel right, if it doesn’t look right, there’s no reason to go in there,’” explained Cpt. Cooper.  

“There are things that we teach our firefighters for when they’re in a wildland situation anyway,” Chief Brendel stated. “We may be able to adapt that into something that we can use, God forbid, if this happens again.”  

“Firefighters are humans too,” Deputy Chief Slater said. “They have families. They’re just people doing the best they can, trying to help a total stranger. If you see a firefighter today, or a police officer or a public servant, go out and shake their hands and tell them thank you. It is a dangerous job that we all signed up for.”  

“To the families of the fallen, we’re here for you,” Chief Brendel stated. “We will help you in any way we can. Just know that the brotherhood of the fire services is here to help you as well as we can.” 

Chief Brendel told ABC4 that he is the lead drum major for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums and will likely perform at services for the two who were killed in Idaho as a small way to help bring some peace to their families.