Man Turned Away Before Idaho Firefighters' Deaths

Background of the Shooter and His Actions

The man accused of fatally shooting two Idaho firefighters before taking his own life last month had a history of trying to join both the fire department and the Army. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, Wess Roley had attempted to become a firefighter but was turned away after being told he would need to go through training and testing. He also tried to join the Army twice, but was disqualified after failing to follow through on tasks and appointments. His father, who was an Army veteran, had hoped for a similar path for his son.

Premeditated Attack and Evidence Found

New details have emerged about the 20-year-old’s motivations, suggesting that the attack was premeditated. Officials found a goodbye letter to his father in Roley’s truck, along with drawings in his home that appear to depict a mountain parking lot with a shotgun being fired and a person aiming a rifle at their chin. In the letter, Roley wrote, “Tomorrow, I shall go to battle. If I survive, it would be with upmost dishonor. I bid thee farewell.” Next to his signature were two symbols resembling runes linked to Nazi ideology.

Roley used gas, lighters, and flint to start a series of fires at Canfield Mountain on June 29 to provoke a response. When firefighters arrived, he shot at them and later shot at others from a tree before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the sheriff.

A Pure Act of Evil

Sheriff Norris described the incident as a “pure act of evil” against the people who are meant to help. The victims included Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52. Coeur d’Alene Fire Engineer David Tysdal, 47, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Investigators are examining Roley’s social media accounts to gain more insight into his mindset, but it is clear that his frustrations were growing over time. Roley had previously tried to join the Army in Arizona in 2023 and again in Hayden, Idaho, last year, but failed to complete the required tasks and appointments, eventually being disqualified.

Attempts to Join the Fire Department

One month before the shootings, Roley visited a Coeur d’Alene fire station to inquire about becoming a firefighter. He reportedly believed he could start immediately, but was informed that there was a process involving a written exam, physical agility test, background investigation, and an oral interview. The interaction left him agitated and frustrated, and he left the station in a heightened state.

Aggressive Behavior and School Life

Beyond what the sheriff shared, little is known about Roley’s motivations. However, interviews with former classmates reveal a troubled early life and a disconnect from peers. Dieter Denen, a classmate, described Roley as aggressive and noted that he made racist comments that made classmates uncomfortable. Roley was known for drawing bombs and military-related images, and he often bragged about his German heritage.

Roley lived with his mother, Heather Caldwell-Cuchiara, and stepfather in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to northern Idaho to live with his father, Jason Roley, in 2024. Court records show that his parents were married in 2008, and Jason served in the Army from 2007 to 2015, including two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

Family Troubles and Protection Order

The family moved to Grafenwöhr, Germany, where Jason was stationed, from 2010 to 2015. After returning to Phoenix, Heather filed for divorce and sought a protection order against Jason, citing domestic violence. She claimed he was intoxicated and had assaulted her, leading to a violent outburst that included punching holes in walls and destroying her phone.

Jason was ordered to stay away from his wife and son and surrender any firearms. He denied being a danger to his son or anyone else, but the judge ruled in favor of Heather after a hearing, citing the domestic violence incident.

Father's Response and Public Reaction

Three years later, Jason applied for a marriage license with Sara Peterson, and they are now living in Priest River, Idaho. Email and phone messages seeking comment from Jason were not returned. His father, Dale Roley, expressed condolences on Facebook, stating that the firefighters did not deserve what happened.

“I would like to give my condolences to all those family members who were unfortunately victims of yesterday’s crimes,” Dale wrote. “Those good brave firefighters were just doing their job; they did not deserve this.”