Local Firms Fabricated Memorial Benches for Responders
Coeur d'Alene businesses collaborated to provide custom memorial seating for two fallen battalion chiefs.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in People
The 2026 Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class installed two custom memorial benches to honor Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Battalion Chief John Morrison. The project involved a cross-section of local suppliers and fabricators to commemorate the first responders.
Why it matters
The project illustrates the integration of local industrial capacity and workforce collaboration to complete community-focused infrastructure projects. The initiative relied on a coordinated effort between regional businesses to design and manufacture custom equipment.
The initiative resulted in the installation of two memorial benches, produced through the coordinated efforts of four local businesses. The project marks the completion of the 2026 Leadership Class memorial effort.
The players
Pacific Steel
A local metal supplier that provided materials for the bench fabrication project.
CDA Fabrication
A regional custom metalworking business that performed fabrication tasks.
Andy's Heating & Cooling
A local trade service provider that contributed labor and materials to the installation.
Iron Mountain Studios
A regional fabricator involved in the construction and finishing of the memorial units.
Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce
A business organization that facilitated the memorial project through its 2026 Leadership Class.
The details
The memorial benches were designed, fabricated, and finished using local resources, with Pacific Steel, CDA Fabrication, Andy's Heating & Cooling, and Iron Mountain Studios contributing materials and labor. The benches are positioned at the Kootenai County Fire Department Training Center on Seltice Way and the Fire Department Administration Building in downtown Coeur d'Alene, respectively. This coordination reflects a localized supply chain approach to municipal commemorative projects.
Timeline
June 29, 2025: Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Battalion Chief John Morrison died in an ambush.
October 9, 2026: The 2026 Leadership Class installed the memorial benches.
Market Landscape
This project follows the 2025 Canfield Mountain ambush, serving as a permanent community marker following that event. It demonstrates how local business leaders utilize regional industrial capabilities for commemorative infrastructure.
Business operators should note the capability of regional fabricators to execute custom municipal-grade projects through collaborative supply chains. Monitoring these local vendor networks can be advantageous for future community-facing procurement and contracting requirements.
The takeaway
The bench installation highlights the utility of local fabrication networks in executing community projects efficiently. Business owners can consider these partnerships as a template for future local infrastructure initiatives.
Further reading
For more updates on regional professional development programs, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Coeur d'Alene Press.
