KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Three Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies will receive the Idaho Attorney General’s Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the deadly Canfield incident last summer.
On February 18, 2026, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador notified the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office that Deputies Harvey Ballman, Arek Brock and Josh Orr have been selected for the prestigious award. The three will also receive the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Honor — the highest award presented by the department.
The deputies were among the first to arrive on scene June 29, 2025, during the Canfield incident in which two firefighters were killed, one was severely wounded and another was trapped. A wildland fire was actively burning at the time.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputies quickly developed a rescue plan under extremely dangerous conditions. They successfully extracted the injured firefighter, rescued the trapped firefighter and helped five civilians to safety. As the fire spread, they also recovered the bodies of the two fallen firefighters.
“It is a privilege to recognize these deputies’ heroic actions and honor them with this award,” Attorney General Labrador said. “Their selfless courage saved lives and exemplifies the finest of Idaho law enforcement.”
Sheriff Bob Norris praised the deputies for their bravery.
“In the face of danger and the unknown, with disregard for their own personal safety, Deputies Ballman, Brock and Orr acted heroically to save lives and remove the two murdered firefighters from the approaching wildland fire,” Norris said. “Kootenai County residents should feel safe and secure knowing that we have deputy sheriffs willing to sacrifice themselves to protect and serve our community. It is an honor to work side by side with each of them.”
The awards recognize extraordinary courage and service in the line of duty.
