LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) wants to express our condolences to the Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County firefighters who were heinously killed and injured on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

These brave firefighters were responding to a vegetation fire, where they were senselessly attacked simply for doing their job. The coward that committed these acts represents the same type of mental health and violence issues plaguing our nation, issues that our first responders see all too often. Everyday firefighters answer the call to help others and accept incident risks, but physical and deadly violence should not be accepted as part of the job – Ever.

The larger brotherhood and sisterhood of firefighters in the federal, state and local fire service express our sadness, support, and respect to our fallen brothers and their families.

Please pray for their families, as well as their fire department family, as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

In Service-
Mark Niemeyer, WFCA Board President