Frank Harwood legacy defined by how he lived

The name Frank Harwood will forever be linked to one of the darkest days in North Idaho history. But if his family and supporters have their way, his legacy will be defined not by how he died, but how he lived.

The launch of The FJH Initiative, as reported by The Press on Saturday, offers an opportunity to do something rare and powerful: transform heartbreak into hope.

Harwood, a battalion chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, dedicated his life to serving others before his life was taken on June 29, 2025, on Canfield Mountain. He loved the outdoors. He loved mentoring young people. Most importantly, he understood the value of being present. In an era when human connection is being replaced by technology, that lesson may be more important than ever.

The initiative bearing his name seeks to bring youth and first responder mentors together through outdoor experiences, life-skills education, mental health support and relationships. 

We agree this is an ambitious endeavor, but one we should support.

Let's face it. Too many youth are being raised by social media. They spend too much time staring at their cell phone screens. This is not a good thing. This initiative seeks to address it.

Young people today are more digitally connected than any previous generation, yet many report feeling increasingly alone. They need, but lack, face-to-face relationships.

The FJH Initiative recognizes this one thing: people need people.

By training first responders as mentors and creating opportunities for youth to connect through fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and other outdoor activities, the program seeks to address challenges at their root—relationships built around shared experiences often open doors to conversations that otherwise never happen. Sometimes, a walk on a trail can accomplish more than a lecture ever could.

North Idaho, surrounded by rivers, lakes and mountains, is the perfect place to introduce youth to the healing powers of the outdoors.

Importantly, the initiative invests in first responders, individuals who carry extraordinary responsibilities and often witness humanity at its most difficult moments. Providing them opportunities to mentor and connect serves both the mentors and the youth.

We also like this proactive approach. Rather than responding after a crisis, it seeks to prevent one. 

Meghan Harwood's belief that communities must do better at addressing youth mental health challenges deserves attention. She is not alone in her observation that many young people are becoming disconnected from one another. Parents, educators and community leaders share her concerns. Strong communities are built on relationships. 

The FJH Initiative creates spaces where young people can develop confidence, discover purpose and build trust with adults. It strengthens the bonds that hold communities together.

Frank Harwood spent his life serving others. Through this initiative, that service continues. 

The community should embrace this effort. The greatest tribute to Frank Harwood is not simply remembering him. It is carrying forward the values he lived every day: service, connection, compassion and hope.

If those values take root through The FJH Initiative, his story will not end on Canfield Mountain. It will continue in the lives of our young people.

That is what Frank Harwood would have wanted.