A letter from the publisher

| July 1, 2025 7:00 AM

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Fellow North Idahoans,

Today, we find ourselves in mourning — not only for the tragic loss of life but also for the very soul of our community, shaken by violence that defies explanation.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 29, two firefighters were shot and killed in an unprovoked ambush while courageously responding to a brush fire near Canfield Mountain. A third firefighter was seriously wounded. The gunman, who authorities say opened fire from a concealed position with a high-powered rifle, targeted first responders from multiple law enforcement agencies.

These brave first responders were not active-duty soldiers. They were not expecting a combat situation. They were doing what so many of our firefighters do every day: answering a call for help, responding to danger, not fleeing from it. They showed up, as they always have, for us.

Let's be clear: This isn't acceptable. This isn't normal. This isn't who we are.

Coeur d’Alene is a community known for its strength, not its strife. For its generosity, not its grief. For its kindness and values, not violence directed at those who protect us. And while the world may see today’s headlines and paint us broadly, we refuse to let violence define us.

We mourn with the families of these brave first responders. We pray for the recovery of all those who have been injured. We stand with every man and woman who puts our safety above their own every day. From our local police officers to our sheriff’s deputies, our state troopers, paramedics, federal fire teams and 911 dispatchers — those who now report for duty bearing the weight of this loss on their shoulders.

At the Coeur d’Alene Press and throughout the Hagadone Media Group, we are asking you — our readers, business leaders, elected officials, faith leaders and all residents of North Idaho — to act during this heartbreaking time.

We need to respond with purpose.

Attend and honor. Be present and show families and fellow responders they’re not alone.

Give generously. Support official relief funds and verified campaigns aiding the victims’ families.

Show your support. Display ribbons, flags or signs of gratitude. Small gestures go a long way.

Use your voice. Leaders of all kinds — now is the time to support our first responders publicly.

Stay alert, not scared. Remind each other that we have one another’s backs.

Support healing. Promote mental health resources to help our community and those affected by this tragedy.

To our first responders:

We honor your bravery. We mourn your loss. And we will never forget.

To the families of the fallen:

Your loved ones were heroes. Their lives mattered greatly. Their memory will always be a part of North Idaho’s legacy.

To every resident of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho:

Let’s unite together, publicly and with purpose. Let’s ensure that the upcoming headlines from Coeur d’Alene share the story of a community that refuses to let violence prevail.

With deep respect and unwavering solidarity,

Clint Schroeder

President, Hagadone Newspaper & Media Groups

Publisher, Coeur d’Alene Press