Let's stand with our neighbors once again

First responders face dangers most of us will never have to face. We have long known that, but we learned that painful lesson all too well when two firefighters were shot and killed in an ambush on Canfield Mountain on June 29, 2025.

While we hoped and prayed something like that would never happen again, it has. Though it may have been 50 miles away, it still raises awareness of the risks our law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians take to protect their communities. 

Two Spokane Sheriff's deputies were shot Tuesday in Spangle, Wash., about 20 miles south of Spokane, while responding to a reported shooting. When it was learned the suspect had a felony warrant and there could be other victims, SWAT team members and deputies tried to breach the door, as reported by the Associated Press. 

Gunfire erupted from the home, and the two deputies were struck. They were taken to a hospital in critical condition. One died that night, and the other was not expected to survive, AP reported.

Both were younger members of the SWAT team, and the deputy who died had a wife and two children. 

Other deputies returned fire and found the suspect dead inside, along with one other victim in the house and one in the yard, authorities said. 

“Although we know our Deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know,” the sheriff's office said in a statement. “They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty." 

Just as our neighbors joined us in rallying around our firefighters and their families following last year's shooting, others are doing the same for the colleagues, families and friends of the deputies. 

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office posted this message: 

"Our hearts and prayers are with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the families affected by yesterday’s tragic violence in Spangle. 

"We stand alongside our brothers and sisters at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and extend our deepest condolences and support to everyone affected by this tragedy. 

"Please keep the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the impacted families, and the entire Spokane community in your thoughts and prayers. 

"We stand with you. We support you. We are with you." 

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department posted this message: 

"The men and women of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department stand with the deputies' families, our law enforcement partners, and the community members in Spokane County. 

"Your bravery is honored and you are in our hearts and prayers." 

Post Falls Police Department said this: 

"Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, including the deputies, their families, and the entire Spokane County team during this difficult time." 

We join them in keeping the families, friends and colleagues of these brave deputies in our thoughts and prayers. We also ask that you donate to the Fallen Deputies Fund, if you can.

Just as our community did when fires struck Spokane, we again stand with our neighbors at this critical time.