Bench dedicated at KCFR training center to fallen firefighter

When asked what Frank J. Harwood meant to him, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Division Chief of Logistics Mitchell Copstead smiled briefly before answering. 

“A great person,” he said. 

Copstead said Harwood was a mentor and family man who loved his community and his fellow firefighters.

“He was always here, always involved in something on the training grounds,” he said. 

KCFR Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison died in an ambush on Canfield Mountain on June 29, 2025. 

A piece of his legacy now sits in steel beside the building and grounds he dedicated his life to. 

Copstead, KCFR Chief Pete Holley, residents and the 2026 Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class gathered at the Kootenai County Fire Department Training Center on Seltice Way on Friday to dedicate Harwood’s memorial bench, donated and placed by the 2026 Leadership Class. 

A similar bench made for Morrison sits in front of the Fire Department Administration Building in downtown Coeur d'Alene and will be dedicated Oct. 30.

“This bench is meant to be more than a memorial,” said Robert Davies, vice president of the Leadership class. “We hope it will be a place to sit, reflect, remember and perhaps be reminded of what true leadership and service look like.” 

Andy Sims, owner of Andy’s Heating and Cooling, was one of several local companies that helped support the benches' creation and placement. He said from his upbringing, he was always taught to give back. 

“It’s an opportunity we are honored to be a part of," he said.

Steve Bender and Casey Merrill of Pacific Steel; Matt Giovanelli of CDA Fabrication; and Luke Greensides of Iron Mountain Studios also played a major role in creating and placing the two memorial benches. 

“It’s great to have the community come out and show their support and show that Frank won’t be forgotten and that he will always be a part of this community,” said Copstead.   

The bench is made of power-coated steel and sits next to the training center entrance. Inscribed on it is Harwood’s name and the words “Leaders Eat Last.” 

According to Chief Holley, “Leaders Eat Last” wasn’t just one of Harwood’s favorite books; it was also a testament to how he lived. 

“He literally would just do everything he could to serve other people before he ever did anything for himself,” Holley said. 

Holley said Harwood's mentorship was unlike any others and that KCFR includes a group of firefighters known as “Frank’s People.” 

“That meant something,” he said. “That meant he invested in you, that he studied you, that he wanted something better for you.”

As one of “Frank’s people,” Holley told The Press what it means to carry on the Harwood Legacy. 

“He set the standard,” said Holley. “He constantly set standards. He pushed people, he made people better, and we’re constantly trying to do that. We remember him in everything that we do. 

    Residents, KCFR firefighters and the 2026 Coeur d'Alene Chamber Leadership Class gathered on Friday afternoon to dedicate Harwood's memorial bench. From left: Louisa Roger, Robert Davies, Bill Pfinsgriff, Marita Diffenbaugh, Roxanne Kusler, Natalie Grace, KCFR Chief Pete Holley, Andy Sims, Casey Murrill, Alex Mclean, KCFR Division Logistics Chief Mitchell Copstead, Cyndy Donato, Heath Gunns, Madison Canale, Zack Sifford, Tiffany Westbrook, Christie Johnson, Jessica Waller and Wyatt Gibbar.