Editorial: Moving words about fallen firefighters

People continue to step up to honor our fallen firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood and help their families. Fundraisers are taking place throughout the area. A little boy sold lemonade. A bakery stepped up. A pizzeria is offering 100% of sales July 10. Breweries created a special beer. Foundations have established special funds. 208 Ministries announced a $25,000 matching donation for each firefighter's family. Churches have gathered to pray.

We thank each of you.

Another tribute made its way to us. Its words need no explanation, and we would like to share them with you.

Marine Corps veteran Lane Post wrote the following:

In Coeur d'Alene Idaho the 29th of June

Sirens wailed in the early afternoon

A brush fire reported a few miles away

The men donned their gear no time to delay

Into the trucks, out the door they went

They had to go to where they'd been sent

They saw the smoke from a mile away

They closed their eyes and began to pray

God keep us safe as we fight this burn

Knock down this fire and to our families return

I pray to you, dear heavenly Father

Let me go home to my wife and daughter.

Sadly we lost two of our best

Frank Harwood and John Morrison both laid to rest

We honor those heroes that we never knew

When tragedy strikes, the Guard stands for you.

We share these words because it's hard to find ones to comfort someone in times of tragedy such as this. Perhaps the words that may help are those that pay tribute to those we lost. Knowing just how loved and respected their loved ones were can help healing for those left behind.

The Press was fortunate enough Thursday to be invited to listen to firefighters share their thoughts, reflections and feelings about John Morrison and Frank Harwood. What they said, how they described those two men, make clear just how special they were. Listening to their words was a gift.

As some said, the world of firefighters will never be the same with the deaths of Morrison and Harwood. But there is no doubt while they were here, they made it a better place. Not just words, though. In hearts.