Mourning 9 heroes
'Fearless' Charleston firefighters 'will never be forgotten,' Riley says
By Noah Haglund , Nadine Parks , Glenn Smith
'Fearless' Charleston firefighters 'will never be forgotten,' Riley says
A Charleston firefighter stands at the front of the Sofa Super Store on Tuesday after nine firefighters were killed Monday night.
Two-by-two, Charleston firefighters waded through the belly of the burning furniture store. Swirling black smoke choked the air around them and swallowed all light.
Sofas, chairs and bedding blocked their path at every turn. Darkness and confusion enveloped the men. As the blaze turned deadly, calls for help crackled over the fire department's radios. One man prayed. From another: "Tell my wife I love her."
Their tour of duty had come to an end. Nine lives. Gone.
The deaths Monday night at the Sofa Super Store on Savannah Highway marked the nation's worst single loss of firefighters since 9/11, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In Charleston, which had not lost a firefighter in the line of duty since 1965, the loss was like a punch to the heart.
"Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties," Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said. "These people will never be forgotten."
The fallen were Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48; Capt. Mike Benke, 49; Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34; Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40; Engineer Brad Baity, 37; Assistant Engineer Michael "Frenchie" French, 27; Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton, 56; Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27; and Firefighter Melvin Champaign, 46.
They were more than men in uniform, they were members of the community they served. One was a devoted family man who loved to take his son fishing. Another was a seasoned veteran, a mentor to his younger colleagues. A third was a part-time barber who gave his firefighting "brothers" haircuts for $2 a head.
"I've just lost nine of my best friends," Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas said, struggling to hold his emotions in check.
No arson is suspected, Riley said, but the State Law Enforcement Division and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the fire's cause and origin.
Charleston fire officials said the blaze started in an outdoor trash bin and quickly engulfed the store and its adjacent warehouse.
The Sofa Super Store didn't have a sprinkler system, which likely would have slowed the blaze, authorities said.
Condolences and messages of support poured in from around the country. The White House released a statement from President Bush mourning the "devastating loss of some of America's bravest."
"Our prayers are with the families and friends of nine firefighters from Charleston, South Carolina, who selflessly gave their own lives to protect their community," Bush said.
"These firefighters were true heroes who demonstrated great skill and courage. Their unwavering commitment to their neighbors and to the city of Charleston is an inspiration to all Americans."
The blaze started about 7 p.m. Monday. As some firefighters attacked the trash-bin fire, 13 more entered the showroom to check for fire inside.
They found none, Charleston Assistant Fire Chief Larry Garvin said.
Then the fire spread to a porch and, suddenly, blew open the back door to the showroom. "We tried to close the door but we couldn't," Garvin said.
Timeline - Collapse in 30 minutes
Firefighters quickly donned their air masks and started bringing in hose lines to attack the blaze from within. But they didn't stand a chance, Garvin said.
Once inside, the fire rapidly ignited sofa and chair material near the back door. A rolling ball of fire and gas raced toward the front of the building, the combustible furniture fueling its momentum. Flames and smoke belched into the humid Lowcountry night, creating what one witness described as 30-foot tornado of flames. Hot ash pelted hundreds of onlookers.
Capt. Ralph Linderman of the St. Andrews Fire Department said the blaze was the hottest he could recall in three decades of firefighting. "That fire bent steel like a wet noodle," he said.
Four employees were in the store when the fire started. Two firefighters freed one worker who was trapped in a repair workshop near the building's east side by cutting a hole in the side of the metal building.
Meanwhile, thick, black smoke was filling the showroom, leaving firefighters disoriented as they struggled to find their way through a jumble of sofas, beds and other furniture. "Everything just went bad at one time," Thomas said. "Trying to see with all that furniture in the store and trying to get out, it just didn't happen."
Charleston Fire Capt. Jake Jenkins said the firefighters were spread out in teams when the roof — a steel truss system — collapsed. Other crews fought to get inside the building and rescue the fallen, but the conditions were too bad, he said.
"They tried everything they could to find a door to open, find a window, find some way to get to downed firefighters," said Pete Rogers of the Charleston County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. "They never stopped trying."
In the end, the news was beyond grim. It was enough to shake a city that has endured civil war, hurricanes and countless other tragedies in its storied history.
The charred bodies were scattered about the building in three groups of two firefighters and one group of three, Classen said. He was given the task of making sure they were removed with dignity. Their cause of death has not yet been determined.
"When you pull nine of your best friends out, it's hard," he said. "But you've got to be strong for the rest of them."
Firefighters and police formed two lines and saluted as the bodies, draped in American flags, were carried from the rubble.
"It was real somber out there when they brought the bodies out," said St. Andrews firefighter Tripp Mobley.
Thomas accompanied each of the nine bodies out of the building, and the Rev. Rob Dewey of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy prayed over the fallen. Weary, dirty and
grieving, firefighters cried, hugged and consoled one another as best they could.
Only three people were injured. Charleston County EMS director Don Lundy said ambulances took two firefighters to Medical University Hospital for minor injuries, one for lacerations and another for heat-related problems. A store employee also was treated for heat-related issues.
Firefighter David Fleming cut his hand while removing metal siding from the building and was taken to Medical University Hospital. He's scheduled for surgery today.
The tragedy drew people from throughout the region. Some came to offer condolences. Others took photographs or simply stared at the store's smoking remains, a twisted tangle of concrete and steel. They felt a need to be there, to show their presence, to show they cared.
The collapsed remains of the Sofa Super store on Savannah Highway is visible from the air Tuesday. Nine firefighters with the Charleston Fire Department lost their lives Monday evening battling the blaze.
One woman handed Mayor Joe Riley a sprig of freshly plucked crape myrtle flowers, telling him that she just had to do something to express her sorrow. A Methodist minister waited nearby, hoping to give the mayor a hug.
"It's just so horrendous, so unreal," Lorraine Tucker of West Ashley said as she snapped a photo of the wreckage. "They were someone's father, uncle, husband or brother. It just leaves me with a knot in my stomach."
About 8 a.m., a large wreath of red and yellow flowers was placed on a patch of grass in front of the store. The makeshift memorial grew by the hour as friends and strangers alike left flowers, balloons and signs at the site.
A group of firefighters pounded nine white crosses made from PVC pipe into the earth by the memorial. Someone else added small American flags. Another group hoisted a firefighter atop the sofa store's marquee.
There, he used duct tape to hang a larger version of the stars and stripes, covering block letters announcing a sale that would no longer take place.
Across town, Capt. Gary Taylor sat at a folding table behind the two trucks that carried six of his men to their deaths Monday evening. His fire station, on Ashley Hall Plantation Road, suffered the heaviest loss in the blaze. Taylor struggled to find words to describe his grief amid visits from colleagues, well-wishers and family members who came to empty lockers.
Jacob Forrest, 28, sat nearby on the front bumper of a fire truck. Forrest left his firefighter job with Company 16 a few months ago, thinking he might go back to school. Now he's thinking about returning to the job.
He knew his fallen comrades well. After such a loss, the impulse for Forrest is not to recoil from the danger but to embrace it once more, he said. "I haven't had to deal with this before," he said, tears welling in his eyes. "They were amazing guys."
Talk about it
Did you know any of the nine firefighters who lost their lives? Go to charleston.net/memorial to share stories, thoughts, pomes or anecdotes. Some responses may be printed in The Post and Courier.
The store was a former Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It opened as Sofa Super Store 16 years ago. The business also has showrooms in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant, but the West Ashley store was the flagship of the operation, with its sole warehouse, president Herb Goldstein said.
Goldstein had no cost estimate on the loss, and he said he will make a decision next week as to how his business will continue to operate. For now, he and his employees will grieve with the rest of he community.
"There are no words to express our sorrow," he said in a written statement. "All of us at Sofa Super Store are devastated and heartbroken by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the heroic firefighters who lost their lives."
Thomas, chief for the last 20 years, pledged that his 227-person department would soldier on in the face of loss.
"We're going to stand tall now," he said. "Just like 9/11, we will never forget."
Staff Writers Prentiss Findlay, Tony Bartelme, Katy Stech, Jessica Johnson, Schuyler Kropf contributed to this report.
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Comments
angelicatt (anonymous) says...
My heart goes out to all the friends and families of the fallen firefighters. They gave their lives for the good of the community and they will always be remembered for it.
June 20, 2007 at 3:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
narasan (anonymous) says...
The Firefighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
Thank you to all who risk their being for that of the safety of others.
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of those we have lost on June 18, 2007. God Bless
Sandra Bullard
North Charleston
June 20, 2007 at 4:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sta103 (anonymous) says...
Words simply can not express the enormity of emotions felt for these heroes and their families. I have two sons who currently are charleston firefighters and a third son who starts the fire academy in August. My husband has been apart of the Fire Department for 25 years. As part of a firefighting family, we all know the risks and dangers. These facts are brought home when our nightmare becomes reality. I couldn't help but watch each flag draped body pass by and think that it could have been covering one of my family members. I am ashamed to confess that my first reaction was of selfishness. I cried to my husband for them to get out of fire service. I came to understand that the world needs these heroes. They give their all (including their lives) for the good of others. My anxiety has to be less than my profound proudness for all they sacrifice. These men and women are a part of another family. Firefighting Family. God Bless each and everyone of them for their courage and bravery.
June 20, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brant (anonymous) says...
I was deeply saddened by this news. I got first word of it yesterday morning on CNN and couldn't keep it out of my mind all day long. Charleston is like a second home to me and my thoughts are with the citizens of Charleston and the families of those who lost loved ones.
June 20, 2007 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ffdrb (anonymous) says...
I am a Massachusetts firefighter. I worked covering a station in Worcester while the search for fallen brothers went on. My heart goes out to all the families of our bravest brothers in Charleston. I extend our deepest sympathy from the West Springfield Fire Dept to our Charleston firefighting family. One loss is tragic, nine horrific. A piece of all of us has been lost today. God Bless.
June 20, 2007 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3wes (anonymous) says...
I had the privilege of meeting Mike, Billy, and Melvin from No. 16's "fallen" a few months ago when they took time to show my 4 year old daughter's preschool class their station. Melvin held the hose for the children to take turns spraying and posing for numerous photos from the parents. That day those firemen were my daughter's heroes. Today, they are mine. God Bless Mike, Billy, Melvin and their families.
Wes Thrift
June 20, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
puppetminister (anonymous) says...
My heart and prayers go out to the families of these lost brothers. I am a retired Indiana Vol Firefighter. Even though I am retired from fire service the ties to my active brothers never ends. I feel the loss of these brave souls. My prayers and the prayers of my church here in Tx will be with these greiving families. May God's love and spirit hold you up and comfort you all. May God protect my brothers in the Charleston FD with his love and protection.
God Bless you all.
Doug Smith
June 20, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
michele67 (anonymous) says...
If there is anyone out there that can give me an address to send flowers to I would greatly appreciate it. I have called the Charleston newspaper and they could not help me. Please email me @ shelbyint200@hotmail.com
I am with the Bayou Blue Vol. Fire Dept. in Houma, La.
I have been a fire chief's wife for 20yrs.
The bond between firefighters is an unbelievable bond. I can not imagine what they are feeling.
It takes very special men and women to become a firefighter.
Our hearts go out to everyone!
All our sympathy
Michele
June 20, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
laryco (anonymous) says...
I'm reading this in my firehouse in Lynn Ma....my sincere condolences ...also don't forget those who survived...they will need help as time goes by...
Capt. Larry Godbout LFD
June 20, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KCChiefsfan (anonymous) says...
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Charleston fire dept. , and the citizens of Charleston. I am a Kansas City firefighter. People do not understand what a brotherhood we are till something like this happens.
One thing though when ever your in need will always be there were better than the postal service.
June 20, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daedreem (anonymous) says...
Thank-you to all the firefighters, both surviving and lost...
I'm in Texas, but I appreciate the good work of all firefighters everywhere.
I hope if the Sofa store reopens, they will have sprinkler systems, or fire resistant buffers between sections to slow future fires!
This should never happen again.
June 20, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
constant516 (anonymous) says...
I lived in Charleston for a few years and had 2 children born there. Charleston will always be our home even though we are back in Maine.
This is such a sad day for all! I remember 20 years ago to the day the oil tank fires in Charleston. I watched and prayed from my hospital room after giving birth to my daughter. The people of the Low Country are forever in our hearts! We pray for the freinds and families of all of these brave firefighters. God Bless! constant516@aol.com
June 20, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Majorwsmom (anonymous) says...
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men, and as Charleston mourns, we mourn with you. My uncle is a fireman here in Athens, GA, and I recently passed this poem along to family and friends to show my support of our local heroes. It seems fitting now, too, to offer it as a tribute the firemen with angel wings. Thank you for being brave, selfless men, and God bless you.
Firefighters Are.....
Firefighters are those crazy people who run into a burning building when all others are running out.
Firefighters are those people who wake up in the middle of the night to help an old lady, who fell out of bed.
Firefighters are those people who work on half eaten meals because someone needed their help.
Firefighters are those people who have a second family that seems just like a first family.
Firefighters are those people who never usually get thanked for doing such a good job.
Firefighters are those people who have to deal with people dying and people getting hurt.
Firefighters are those people who have hearts bigger than the whole universe.
Firefighters are those people who are always there in a moments notice when someone needs help.
Firefighters are those people who may seem scary to little kids.
Firefighters are those heroes that little kids always say that they want to be when they grow up.
Firefighters are those people who are the unsung heroes.
Firefighters are those people who very rarely get a "Thank You," but when they do it is always welcome.
Firefighters are those people who are just always there.
Firefighters are those that lay their life on the line everyday for others.
Firefighters are those people who are never selfish.
Firefighters are those that are brave.
Firefighters are those who go into a building to rescue a brother, without even taking in the consequences that lie ahead.
Firefighters are those who are at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.
Firefighters are those who are constantly giving of themselves, and expecting nothing in return.
Firefighters are those who must rise above themselves to conquer the most overwhelming situations.
Firefighters sacrifice their lives so that others may live.
Firefighters aren't heroes, they're just doing their job.
June 20, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PamMatthewsEvansvilleIndiana (anonymous) says...
Words of sorrow and condolences are so hollow. These brave men gave their lives for their community .
.. they will always be remembered for their commitment and bravery.
Our Indiana family is praying for all the families who have lost their loved ones. I am so sorry for their loss and the city of Charleston's loss.
June 20, 2007 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katiehero (anonymous) says...
Our words can not express our tears. We in North Georiga and Tennessee want you to know that your pain is felt here. As we watch from hundreds of miles away our arms reach to hold and comfort. These men that gave their lives were amazing in their selflessness and compassion. May we thank them for paying the ultimate price by showing the same now to their families. May the children never forget and the wife's never regret. There is nothing as wonderful as a firefighter's wife!
June 20, 2007 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kakimiller (anonymous) says...
From Long Island, New York. To the families, collegues and communities of the 9 brave fallen heros from the Charleston Fire Dept. We share your unimaginable grief. Please accept our most sincere condolences, prayers. You are and will remain in our prayers. As we say here in NY "NEVER FORGET" We will "never forget" their brave and honorable sacrifice. Most sincerely, K Miller Long Beach, NY
June 20, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jamato (anonymous) says...
From Worcester, MA. There are no words that can adequately express my heart-felt sorrow over the loss of these brave and amazing firefighters. They will never be forgotten and neither will their families, friends, colleagues and community. God Bless you during this time.
June 20, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SouthwestAmbulance (anonymous) says...
On behalf of your EMS brothers and sisters in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, please know that we are standing arm in arm with you.
The 1200 employees of Southwest Ambulance
June 20, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
huntress87 (anonymous) says...
My heart is with you, the strength to move forward and honor the men who lost their lives doing what they love, is a precious gift. In a few weeks when the media frenzy comes to a halt, one of the most beautiful cities of the South, are bound in mourning.. hub-bub dies down, remember the unity.. We will not forget, prayers always surrounding you..Faith HOPE and LOVE..
June 20, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Butts (anonymous) says...
As a former resident of South Carolina(Beaufort)for several years while my father was stationed at Parris Island, my family and I grieve for and share in the loss of 9 brave individuals and we grieve with and pray for their families. They are in our thoughts and prayers. I noticed that Charleston is a "runner's city" - with the help of the local media why not organize a City of Charleston Firefighters' Memorial 5K Run/Walk to benefit the families and honor the memories of those that were lost. The support from around the country(and world) would likely be overwhelming. We will certainly be donating and would encourage others to do so. God Bless America and her fallen heroes.
The Butts family
Birmingham, AL
June 21, 2007 at 12:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FF_139 (anonymous) says...
It's a sad day when firefighters loses there life in the line of duty..
My prayers go out to there families, friends and loved ones..
I have 2 family members in the fire service other then myself..
God Bless..
Lohrenz Family
Milford CT
Orange Vol. firefighter
June 21, 2007 at 2:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kimo91 (anonymous) says...
THE CREATION OF THE FIREFIGHTER
When the Lord was creating firefighters, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said, "Have you read the specification of this person? Firefighters have to be able to go for hours fighting fires or tending to a person that the usual everyday person would never touch, while putting in the back of their mind the circumstances. They have to be able to move at a second's notice and not think twice of what they are about to do, no matter what danger. They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on half-eaten meals, and they must have six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head and said, "Six pairs of hands . . . . no way."
"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes a Firefighter has to have."
"That's on the standard model?" the angel asked.
The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the fire and where they and their fellow firefighters should fight the fire next. Another pair here in the side of their head to see their fellow firefighters and keep them safe. And another pair of eyes in the front so that they can look for the victims caught in the fire that need their help."
"Lord," said the angel, touching His sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."
"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can carry a 250 pound man down a flight of stairs and to safety from a burning building, and can feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."
The angel circled the model of the firefighter very slowly. "Can it think?"
"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred fires; and can recite procedures in their sleep that are needed to care for a person until they reach the hospital. And all the while they have to keep their wits about themselves. This firefighte also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with a scene full of pain and hurt, coaxing a child's mother into letting go of the child so they can care for the child in need. And still they rarely get the recognition for a job well done from anybody, other than from fellow firefighters."
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the firefighter. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "Lord, it's a tear. What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's a tear from bottled-up emotions for fallen comrades. A tear for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag. It's a tear for all the pain and suffering they have encountered. And it's a tear for their commitment to caring for and saving lives of their fellow man!"
"What a wonderful feature, Lord. You're a genius," said the angel.
Author Unknown
June 21, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IsaacLC (anonymous) says...
My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of our fallen firefighters. Your tremendous loss has touched us all. May God's grace keep you strong and help you to find peace during this very painful time. These men may have just been doing their jobs but they are truly heroes and will never be forgotten.
June 22, 2007 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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