When Tragedy Strikes, We’re Not Republicans or Democrats—We’re Neighbors

Guest Editorial by Becky Funk

On June 29, Coeur d’Alene experienced tragedy that shook us all when Battalion Chief Frank Harwood of Kootenai County and Battalion Chief John Morrison of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department were killed in an ambush while responding to what they believed was a routine brush fire. Engineer David Tysdal was critically injured and continues his fight to recover.

Flags were lowered in every city and neighborhood. No one asked which political party the victims belonged to. No one cared about voter registration as we lined I‑90 overpasses to honor our fallen first responders. People donated to the families, offered meals, lit candles, and said prayers without checking where anyone stood on political issues. Neighbors who had once disagreed over yard signs and Facebook posts stood side by side in silence.

In a county known for political divides a simple truth unfolded and we remembered who we are. When tragedy strikes, we’re not Republicans or Democrats—we’re neighbors.

Our firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders don’t respond based on politics. They answer every call. They put themselves in harm’s way without knowing who they’re saving. And when evil shows itself, like it did on Canfield Mountain, it attacks us all.

As a community, we can honor Chief Harwood and Chief Morrison—not only by mourning them, but by learning from them. They didn’t divide people. They served everyone.

We live in a loud time. Anger and division make good headlines. But after June 29, here in Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, people chose something quieter and so much better. They chose unity. This is the lesson we should carry forward. That even in the worst moments, we are capable of empathy. That even after the horrific news, there’s a space where we can just be neighbors again.

Policies and elections will return soon enough. But for now as we process this tragedy may we see each other simply as neighbors.

Because when tragedy strikes, it’s not about politics. It’s about people.

---

About the Author

Becky Funk is a 21 Coeur d'Alene resident, President of North Idaho Federated Republican Women, and serves as Congressional District 1 Director for Idaho Federation of Republican Women.