Names of fallen firefighters releasedOriginally published 02:35 p.m., June 19, 2007
Updated 06:35 p.m., June 19, 2007 Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten has released the names of the nine firemen who died Monday night in what has been called the worst loss of life for firefighters since 9/11. The nine firefighters collectively had dedicated more than 100 years of service to the City of Charleston Fire Department. At a 2 p.m. press conference held today at the Charleston County building in North Charleston, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley called the firemen “heroic, historic figures” and said that the community and nation are mourning their loss. “It is a reminder of how brave acts touch the lives of everyone and what a firefighter is prepared to do,” Riley said. Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas said he lost nine of his best friends. Just like the tragedies of 9/11, he said, those nine firemen will not be forgotten. “We’ve got a long road ahead of us, but we’re going to stand tall,” Thomas said.. They are: Captain William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48, 30 years of service; Captain Mike Benke, 49, 29 years of service; Captain Louis Mulkey, 34, 11.5 years of service; Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40, 12.5 years of service; Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, 37, 9 years of service; Asst. Engineer Michael French, 27, 1.5 years of service; Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton, 56, 32 years of service; Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27, 4 years of service; Firefighter Melvin Champaign, 46, 2 years of service. |
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Comments
This article has 8 comment(s)
Posted by lisahodgesnm on June 19, 2007 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have never been to your beautiful state, but I want to let you know from Las Cruces, NM my heart cries for all of you affected by this tragedy. I pray God's healing on the families of those killed and injured. I pray His peace on those left to pick up the pieces and move forward.
You are not alone; the country mourns with you.
Posted by crwhite1 on June 19, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From local 624 and the 1500 firefighters in San Antonio,Tx. our heart felt condolences go out to the families, citizens and fellow firefighters whom are enduring such a great loss. To my fellow brothers and sisters, stay strong, for ours is a pact that may be challenged, but may never be broken.
Posted by shartzog on June 19, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the months right after 9/11 firefighters all over our country were showered with the respect and gratitude of millions. The unthinkable loss of 343 NYC firefighters was a crushing reminder of the sacrifice firefighters and other public safety professionals stand ready to make every day. The loss of nine in Charleston last night was yet another. As the wife of a recently retired firefighter, I can't convey how deeply my family and I feel the loss of those nine men. There are no words to express our deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for their families, their CFD brothers and sisters and the city of Charleston. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." May God bless you and keep you in his tender care.
Sgt. Wm. Johnny Hartzog (retired) & Family
Montgomery, AL
Posted by RJones on June 19, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From Roanoke, VA -- Please know that folks across America are praying for the families of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice on Monday evening in Charleston. We have a personal understanding of the great feeling of loss and pain that you will no doubt be suffering. We have been greatly strengthened by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support across our great country since April 16th, in Blacksburg at Va Tech. Please know these same great Americans now pray for you. May God bless and keep these heroic and most unselfish South Carolinians.
Posted by cpousnret on June 19, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The horrific tragedy that has befallen the Charleston Fire Department must also be viewed as a source of pride and a testament to the leadership instilled in and embodied by the department. This is evidenced by the ranks of those who perished. Of the nine firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, three of them were senior officers.
Leadership is doing the right thing. The three fallen captains were doing the right thing by leading from the front and setting the example for their men. May this offer some comfort to the families of the fallen and to their comrades who must carry on without them.
Posted by Gary on June 20, 2007 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We spent a wonderful vacation in your city 2 years ago and stopped by 3 of the stations when we were there. Our hearts go out to the families of the firefighters that were lost. Just wonderd if anyone could tell me what stations the lost firefighters were from. From a fellow firefighter our prayers are with you.
Posted by eagleman917 on June 21, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On Behalf of the Pinewood Estates Volunteer Fire Company #1 in Barnegat,NJ we wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to Our Brothers in South Carolina. We mourn with you & we pray for the families of these Brave, Courageus Phenominal firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Heaven has a nine new angels. May God Bless The Fire Department of Charleston, The Families of all the victims & the entire city of Charleston. The Township of Barnegat in Ocean County New Jersey mourns with you.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Giles
Fire Police/Secretary/PIO/EMT
Posted by OriginalOuisa on July 4, 2007 at 2:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We will always remember our fallen heroes in firefighting. We cannot fathom such a loss. Our small rural fire department, Warrior River Fire & Rescue, flew the American Flag at half mast the week of the tragedy in honor and sadness of your firefighters. Our community is small (675 rooftops), but we have big hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families, friends, and the City of Charleston. God Bless. eg greenwood.