Tragedy struck the city of Charleston, South Carolina last night when nine firefighters were killed while on duty. Charleston has a special place in my heart because I lived there as a boy while my mother attended the Medical University of South Carolina and my father worked for a local television station. We still visit South Carolina often to be with family and I consider the state my other home.
A press release from City Hall reports:
Charleston City Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. said the entire Charleston community is grieving for the loss of nine City of Charleston firefighters who died Monday night fighting a devastating blaze at a furniture store late Monday night.
“The brave acts of these nine men have touched the lives of everyone. When others run away from a fire to escape it, firefighters are the ones who run into the danger to try to save lives and property. It is their job,” Riley said. He said he has received calls of condolences and offers of help from all over the country today.
“These are brave, humble people who are ready to go in and protect others,” Riley said.
Riley said the city has been working with members of the firefighters’ families and this will continue, “not just today and tomorrow, but in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. These are historic figures that will never be forgotten. They gave their lives unflinchingly to protect the lives of others.”
He said the fire is being fully investigated and declined to comment on its cause until all information is available.
Riley praised the leadership of Charleston City Fire Chief Rusty Thomas, who leads the City’s Class 1 Rated Department, the highest ranking available nationwide.
Thomas thanked all the city’s firefighters and praised the nine men lost in Monday’s blaze – firefighters with a range from 2 years to 30 years of service.
“We‘ve lost over 100 years of dedicated service,” Thomas said. “I lost nine of my best friends. We have a long road ahead of us, but we’re going to stand tall. We will never forget these nine firefighters who lost their lives last night doing what they love to do – fight fires.”
You can send your prayers and offers of support to [email protected].
