I can’t even imagine. At a press conference yesterday, Chief Thomas said there was an unconfirmed report of a 911 call from a victim trapped inside a store room in the back of the building, which prompted the entry. Some may say that’s a risk not worth taking, but imagine a rescue operation that always waited for absolute confirmation before moving to save a life. It’s that mentality that makes their role and importance so special.
At some point, an employee was heard banging on a metal structure inside (while trapped by fire at both exits in the small room) to alert the guys to his presence and location. He was rescued when they cut a hole in the wall & pulled him through to safety. It’s not clear whether or not this was the same person who made the 911 call, and if he was extricated before the team made entry based on his prior call. So much happening so quickly, it’s hard to know what really happened until the investigation is complete.
thank you for posting this…the story, the photo, the support information. i worry about my boyfriend and his crew every day that they are at the station. my heart goes out to the family and friends of those who are heroic enough to step up to fight and put their lives on the line for complete strangers. i pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones. i’ll be sure to pass on the support information to everyone i know.
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.
Eric
Santa Cruz County Fire
Engine Co 29
I believe the 7pm EST moment of radio silence was performed by FDs across the nation…
The memorial was held yesterday in the North Charleston Colleseum. Over 400 agencies sent representatives to show their support. FDNY sent their Emerald Society Pipes & Drums brigade - their playing of “Amazing Grace” was one of the most powerful moments I’ve ever experienced. The mayor, governor, fire chief and Michael Chertoff from DHS all spoke during the service that concluded with a benediction by the FD’s chaplain Rev. Jimmy Galant.
I’ve never seen such a display of solidarity and sympathy in my life. It was overwhelming.
Slideshows and videos of the service are available for viewing at www.charleston.net, for those interested. A few shots from yesterday:
Prayer gathering prior to the processional (the two engines were the primary units involved)
The processional as it approaches the site of the fire, after passing both stations:
Inside the colleseum, Charleston Fire Department personnel alongside our department (Charleston EMS, far right row also in blue)
Those are completely amazing ceremonies to behold. I was at the IAFF Convention last year in Toronto, and there was a ceremony that recognized all of the fire fighters who had died in the line of duty since the previous convention (2 years prior). 3000 fire fighters and not a dry eye in the house. They know how to make a great spectacle. Those pictures are awesome, but I am sure that they don’t even compare to being there.
On a side note, I used the rituals of fire fighter funerals in my Developmental Class assignment for the chapter on mortality. I was starting that assigment just as this was going on. Kind of eerie.
I hope all is going well down there and people are looking out for each other.
