Frank Joseph Harwood, 42, was tragically taken from us on June 29, 2025. A beloved husband, devoted father, decorated veteran, and proud public servant, Frank’s life was marked by leadership, service, and love.

Born and raised in Wisconsin and a proud Packers fan, Frank is loved by his wonderful mother and brother and was preceded in death by his proud father.

Frank joined the Idaho Army National Guard in 2001 and honorably completed his service in 2008 as a combat engineer. Frank served in Operation Iraqi Freedom for 18 months as an acting truck commander during security missions in northeast Iraq. During his time in the National Guard, he met his wife, as they served together creating an irrevocable and intense bond. Frank had the foresight to place his name onto the Fox Valley Technical College Fire Protection Technician Program and was accepted upon return from his deployment. Frank graduated on May 20, 2007.

Knowing his love for and dedication to the state of Idaho, Frank tested for Kootenai County Fire & Rescue and made the top of that list. He accepted his firefighter position in October 2007. Frank quickly became a respected leader in the fire service across the region and was widely regarded as one of the best tacticians in the area. Frank moved into the rank of battalion chief, where he served his crew with humility and a strong commitment to training. He helped shape the careers of hundreds of firefighters. Whether on the fireground or in the classroom, he led with purpose, precision, and a desire to make everyone around him better. Frank said, “Build a culture that will bring the best out of all who serve under them.” He truly embodied what it meant to be a mentor.

Frank was a decorated servant, achieving the following awards: six-time Training Excellence Award recipient, Letter of Commendation, Dedication & Devotion, American Legion Firefighter of the Year, North Idaho Fire Chiefs Firefighter of the Year, EMS Life Saving Ribbon, and Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon.

While the fire service was incredibly important to Frank, his most important role was husband and father. He was an amazing father to his two daughters and the most incredible, protective, loving, and caring husband a wife could have ever asked for. By far, Frank’s greatest joy in life was the time spent with his girls and his wife, cheering them on from the sidelines at sporting events, exploring the outdoors, finding humor in all things, and always accepting them for exactly who they are.

We are blessed to have the memories and, most importantly, we are dedicated to preserving Frank J Harwood’s legacy.