Post Falls Parade honors hometown heroes

HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 1 week AGO

2025 Miss Gem State Stampede Amelie Johnson waves to spectators as she rides a horse Saturday in the Post Falls parade.
HAILEY HILL/Press

The North Idaho Sparklers put on a dazzling display along Seltice Way on Saturday.

Wyatt, 6, and Barrett, 4, hold signs to cheer on first responders in Saturday's parade.

A vintage Coeur d'Alene Fire Department engine displayed the turnout gear of Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood, who lost their lives in a shooting June 29.

Student athletes carried a large American flag during the Post Falls Parade on Saturday.

US Army soldiers stood at attention as a tribute to battalion chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood rolled past.

A River City Dance Project dancer smiles at parade spectators.

Rick Rasmussen, Post Falls' Citizen of the Year, waves to parade spectators.

Saturday's parade in Post Falls drew large crowds along Seltice Way.

POST FALLS — For many, Saturday’s parade along Seltice Way was about showing appreciation for the community’s first responders.

Karen Thompson’s young sons, 6-year-old Barrett and 4-year-old Wyatt, each held a sign thanking both the Post Falls Police and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue for one reason in particular.

In April, both departments played a critical role in saving the boys’ grandfather —Thompson's father’s — life.

When he had fallen into sudden cardiac arrest, PFPD and KCFR answered the call and administered life-saving aid upon arrival.

“They got his heart beating again,” Thompson said.

The boys held their signs high as first responders rolled past.

“Those are the guys that saved grandpa,” Thompson told the boys.

The procession also included a tribute to Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood, who were laid to rest earlier this week after they were both shot and killed June 29.

The sight of the men’s turnout gear displayed on the back of a vintage Coeur d’Alene Fire Department engine drew solemn applause from the large crowds lining the parade route.

The tribute was followed by creative floats from area businesses and organizations, performances by local dance groups and plenty of candy for the eagerly awaiting children.

The parade was a highlight of the yearly Post Falls Festival, which also includes live music, local vendors and other family-friendly activities.

The Festival wraps up today.

The North Idaho Sparklers put on a dazzling display along Seltice Way on Saturday.

Wyatt, 6, and Barrett, 4, hold signs to cheer on first responders in Saturday's parade.

A vintage Coeur d'Alene Fire Department engine displayed the turnout gear of Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood, who lost their lives in a shooting June 29.