COEUR D'ALENE -- Erik Svendsen arrived outside Kootenai Health on Sunday holding a flag just before a procession started for two slain firefighters.

It was the best way he could think to show his respect.

"We live in the best community, the best city that I could imagine," he said. "These people protect us every day. I feel safe. When I saw two had fallen, I cried.”

The firefighters were ambushed and killed by a gunman June 29 while responding to a blaze on Canfield Mountain. The suspected shooter, identified by sources as 20-year-old Wess Roley, was found dead on the burning mountain after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement.

Authorities believe the shooter set the fire. 

Officials have not identified the slain firefighters, but said one belonged to the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and the other to Kootanai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter, also a member of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, was wounded in the ambush. 

Scott Darling and son Landyn of Post Falls also waved flags as they watched emergency vehicles line up in the setting sun.

"Our firefighter and police officers need to be honored and respected," Scott Darling said. "They're out there sacrificing their lives for us. This is a terrible tragedy. They're here to protect us and we need to be here to honor them."

"When one of them falls, we should show our respect and gratitude," he added.

Hundreds of others lined Ironwood Drive, U.S. 95 and Interstate 90 overpasses as the procession of emergency vehicles traveled from Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, Washington.  

Some stood silent. Others waved. Some held hands or placed arms around shoulders. Many held flags as they watched the stream of police, fire and medical vehicles pass by. 

Charles Fox of Coeur d'Alene said when he heard about the shootings, he thought the world was getting even crazier.

"Insanity," he said. "It doesn’t surprise me. It should, but it doesn’t."

Fox said the firefighters who died were good, hard-working people serving their community.

"Those guys are just trying to go to work and support their families," he said. 

Scott and Stacy Hough held a banner high, paying tribute to firefighters. Stacy previously worked with the Timberlake Fire District.

"She has a special connection and emotional tie to her firefighting comrades," Scott said.

Stacy said she was shocked when she heard what happened.

"Awful," she said. "These are our people. Our friends."

Ashlie Oliver, whose husband is in law enforcement, stood along U.S. 95 with her children, Jett and Jace, and family friend Beau. They, too, waved flags.

She said something like this "doesn't happen here in North Idaho. It's really sad."

Nick and Abi Liezen and their two children came out to offer support for firefighters. They were dismayed when they heard of the shootings.

"I have no words. It's overwhelming," Abi said.

Nick Liezen said firefighters never really know what dangers they may face on duty and yet, they respond when called without fail.

"We're proud of them," he said.

Krista Bradley of Coeur d'Alene said she was in disbelief when she learned what had happened.

"Our first responders are our heart and soul. For someone to attack the people who are supposed to protect us, it's scary," Bradley said.

"They lay their lives on the line for us. The best thing we can do is respect them," she added.