Something special. 

That’s what Steve Cardoza and fellow veterans wanted to do in memory of two slain firefighters. 

On Thursday, they presented an etched, wooden flag that traveled nearly 2,000 miles to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Station on Third Street and Foster Avenue. 

“We wanted to make sure they are never forgotten,” Cardoza said. “That was our biggest thing.” 

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Sells smiled and nodded. 

“It’s amazing,” he said. 

The small group of veterans and wives handed over a custom-made red, white and blue flag. It carried the names of Coeur d’Alene Battalion Chief John Morrison and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, who died in an ambush attack at Canfield Mountain. 

It included, “End of Watch: June 29, 2025,” and “Fueled by Fire, Driven by Courage.” 

Another wooden flag was also presented to KCFR.

“We appreciate you guys,” Cardoza said. “Who do we call when we have a problem?” 

Several veterans groups contributed to the project, but it turned out no money was necessary as the Charred and Starred Flag Company based in Friendswood, Texas, donated both flags when they heard who they would honor. 

Texas, meanwhile, suffered catastrophic flooding that claimed over 100 lives. 

“They continued to make these flags in the very midst of their own grief,” Cardoza said.  

Since the flags were free, the donations for them were sent to help those in Texas. 

“We think Frank Harwood and John Morrison would have appreciated that,” Cardoza said. 

Many who contributed to the flags signed the back of them and wrote messages. 

“We wanted to make it personal,” Cardoza said. 

Army Veteran Rob Street said he grew up in the Coeur d'Alene area and has deep roots here. The deaths of the two firefighters in such an attack hurts, he said. 

“Being veterans, it hits us,” he said. “When this kind of thing happens, there’s no other way to pay respects other than words and prayer.” 

The flag, Street said, will be a reminder of Harwood and Morrison for generations of firefighters.

“We want their names to be remembered,” Cardoza said. 

Deputy Chief Bill Deruyter said they appreciated the continued support in dealing with the tragedy.  

The flag will be proudly displayed at Fire Station 1. 

“It's a part of our history now and will live forever,” he said.  

A special wooden flag in memory of fallen firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood is presented at Coeur d'Alene Fire Station 1 on Thursday. From left, Carol Loomer, John Loomer, Rob Street (kneeling), Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Sells, Aloma Cardoza, Deputy Fire Chief Bill Deruyter, Steve Cardoza and Pete Williams.