Frank Harwood loved the outdoors. He loved mentoring youth. And he believed strongly in the importance of being present and connecting with kids. 

That combination has led to The FJH Initiative. 

"I never wanted the day Frank died to be the end of the story," said Meghan Harwood. 

The battalion chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue was shot and killed in an ambush attack while responding to an intentionally set wildland fire on Canfield Mountain on June 29, 2025. He was 42. 

In his memory, The FJH Initiative continues Harwood’s mission of service by offering youth and first responder mentors transformative outdoor experiences, life skills education, mental health support and positive mentorship.  

The programs are designed to help participants build resilience, discover inner strength and create lives filled with meaning, purpose and hope, according to a press release.

“Grounded in the belief that every person has untapped potential, the Initiative connects participants with the healing power of nature and the guidance of caring mentors,” the release said. “Through these experiences, youth and First Responder Mentors develop the confidence, leadership skills, and emotional well-being needed to thrive — not just survive.” 

The FJH Initiative will train first responders as mentors. The goal is to start the yearlong program next summer with about 15-20 middle and high schoolers. There will be opportunities for teens to spend time with adults through several activities, including fishing, hiking, dirt biking, skiing and camping. 

“Frank lived a life of courage, compassion and quiet strength,” said Jessica Lawler with the FJH Initiative. “By investing in youth and those who serve our communities, we are carrying forward his legacy and helping build a future where resilience, connection and hope are passed from one generation to the next.” 

Meghan Harwood, Frank's widow, said she wanted a proactive program to benefit youth in response to the tragedy on Canfield Mountain. The person who shot Harwood was 20 years old. 

"I think mental health is the key," she said. 

She said youth are becoming disconnected from community and from each other as they spend so much time on cell phones and tracking social media. Many of the influences teens face can be negative.

"I feel like this program is going to get to the root of the problem," Meghan Harwood said. "And the root of the problem is a disconnect in society and children's mental health. That's the truth. We need to have better access to care. And that is what this program is going to do."

Outdoor recreation was important to the Harwood family, who visited several national parks. Frank was an avid trail runner. He loved being on the water and spending time with children, teaching them about fishing and boating.

Meghan Harwood said that, through The FJH Initiative, they want to provide outdoor opportunities for youth, as it is an area where they can relax, focus and be open with an adult. Conversation and connection will be encouraged.

“If we can give them a space where that can happen organically, that's what we want to do,” she said.  

Meghan Harwood said support for the FJH Initiative has been strong. She said Frank would have been delighted with a program that combines his passions with helping youth. 

“Chief Harwood dedicated his strength to serving others as a husband, father, soldier, firefighter, and community leader, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he served," the release said. 

The program is designed to be easily replicated. Meghan said she would love to see the FJH Initiative go nationwide so more youth and first responders could benefit from it.

“We want to help anywhere we can. If Frank’s story helps drive that mission, we're going to do it,” she said  

To donate or volunteer: fjhinitiative.com