The Charleston Fire Department lost nine guys last night while searching the interior of a burning furniture store. Several occupants were rescued & transported to local hospitals before the roof collapsed on the rescuers. The only fatalities were the firefighters.
I’ve worked with several of these men over the past 7 years and it’s no exaggeration to call them heroes. This is a devastating loss for our city and public safety community.
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, *my children and my wife. *
I was working on the other side of the city at the time. Reports from medics on the scene say it was a sudden and complete collapse. The radio traffic coming from inside indicated that those who survived initially knew they stood no chance of rescue, several relayed messages to say goodbye to their wives and families. None were found alive.
Oh man, that really sucks. I know at least 3 people that are fire fighters. It’s really tragic when something like that happens. They are heroes, though.
Please help these families. These are true heroes. http://www.charleston.net/news/ Trident United Way offers $10,000 match for firefighters fund to contribute, funds should go to The City of Charleston Firefighters’ Fund, P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC, 29402. Anyone wanting to donate money to the firefighters’ families can make a donation at any Bank of America location or send money to: The City of Charleston Firemen’s Fund, P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC, 29402
Southcoast Community Bank has announced the creation of the Southcoast Firefighter’s Relief Fund to support the families of the victims from the fire on Monday night. Southcoast will initially fund the account with $1,000. Additional donations in the form of cash and checks will be accepted at all 10 Southcoast Community Bank branches in the Charleston area. For additional information, please contact Southcoast Community Bank at (843) 884-0504 or www.southcoastbank.com.>
Sorry to hear of your loss. Althought I am a LEO when it comes to tragedies such as these, we are all brothers. Take care, stay safe and look out for each other, mentally and physically!
I was in shock last night watching this. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen and to the surviving brothers
At 4pm PDT 6/19 all non code 3 fire radio traffic and non emergency work by fire personnel in Calif ceased for one minute of silence to honor our fallen brothers.
Anyone wanting to donate money to the firefighters’ families can make a donation at any Bank of America location or send money to: The City of Charleston Firemen’s Fund, P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC, 29402 <<
This was taken prior to the collapse. It’s difficult to tell from the quality of the photo, but I believe two of the men in the photo(far left & far right) were among the crew that was lost after the roof came down.
This photo says it all. Imagine the courage it must take to step into an inferno like this for the sole purpose of rescuing someone you’ve never met and with no guarantee of their- or your- survival.
As a paramedic, I tend to think of firefighters primarily as co-workers and value them mostly in those terms. This incident has changed my perspective somewhat - I’ve always recognized their sacrifice, their dedication and how they serve the public in visible and not-so-visible ways, but it struck me how as a citizen, every last man and woman who wears the uniform would make exactly the same sacrifice for me, for my family and for my friends - no questions asked, no value judgments, no sliding scale of worthiness. And they would do the same for you.
