June 18, 2011 – On this fourth anniversary, the IAFF remembers the tragic loss of nine Charleston, South Carolina fire fighters. The nine men died in the line of duty when they became trapped in the burning Super Sofa Store.
Decorated in full dress, Charleston fire fighters will stand in a 24-hour salute in memory of the fallen. A formal ceremony, which will be open to the public, will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
“Being able to pay our respects to those we have lost is a high honor,” says General President, Harold A. Schaitberger. “Fire Fighters put their lives on the line every day, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t recognize Louis Mulkey, Mike Benke, Melven Champaign, Billy Hutchinson, Brad Baity, Earl Drayton, Mark Kelsey, Michael French and Brandon Thompson, who put others’ lives before their own.”
The land that once housed the Sofa Super Store was purchased by the city of Charleston and turned into a city park. Memorial plaques have been placed in remembrance of the nine fire fighters who lost their lives. IAFF Local 61 has hosted events to raise money for upkeep and potential memorials in the new park, including a memorial 5K - Run for the Nine - which raised $10,000.
“We are on the frontlines every day making sure that fire fighters have the command structure, staffing and resources that they need to save lives and protect their own,” says 12th District Vice President , Larry Osborne. “Doing so will prevent future tragedies like the one in Charleston.”
