On June 18, 2007, nine Charleston, SC, Fire Department firefighters were killed in the Sofa Super Store fire—a tragedy that ultimately led to significant changes aimed at improving firefighter safety.
Ten years later, on the site of the tragic blaze, the CFD held a remembrance ceremony to honor the Charleston 9: Captains Louis Mulkey, Mike Benke and William “Billy” Hutchinson; Engineers Bradford “Brad” Baity and Mark Kelsey; Assistant Engineer Michael French; and Firefighters Melvin Champaign, James “Earl” Drayton and Brandon Thompson.
From Interim Chief John Tippett
The 10th anniversary of the Sofa Super Store fire elicited a wide range of emotions for the surviving family members, members of the Charleston Fire Department, the Charleston community and the fire service at large.
Several months prior to the anniversary, a committee of CFD members who were with the department at the time of the fire as well as support staff convened to plan the memorial service. The planning committee, led by Assistant Chief Joseph Roberts, set one goal: Plan a ceremony that appropriately focused on the families. One of the first decisions the committee reached was establishing that this significant year would not be about the department’s loss and recovery. This remembrance would focus on letting the families know they and their lost loved ones had not been forgotten. The central theme was built around telling the stories of the lives cut short by tragedy.
The plan came to fulfillment on a steamy, hot Charleston evening with a blazing setting sun as the backdrop. Approximately 500 firefighters and community members attended to show the families support and honor the sacrifice of the nine fallen.
The ceremony was a blend of previous years’ traditions, enhanced with personalized tributes to the fallen written by family members and coworkers. The service was interspersed with musical pieces provided by the combined CFD/CPD Pipes and Drums, Ms. Allyson Burrell, Deputy Director of Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center, and Engineer William Kennedy from the North Charleston Fire Department. Each tribute, read by Rev. Jimmy Gallant—a local pastor who broke the news to the families about their losses on June 18, 2007—brought each of the 9 back to life in ways later described by many as comforting. The ceremony concluded with a call by Captain Lance Williams, CFD Honor Guard Deputy Commander, for the 125 members of the “Sea of Blue” to fall out. This call signaled a release of all to walk the memorial field, pay their respects to the 9 and their families, meet, greet and thank out-of-town firefighters, and exchange symbols of the fire service brotherhood.
I observed an inspiring transformation as I broke ranks and surveyed the field. The attendees silently and somberly flooded the field to pay their respects after the call to fall out. The silence, sorrow and tears that marked the beginning of the walk across the field slowly gave way to an increasing chorus of handshakes, hugs and laughter. The memorial was slowly transformed from a field of tragedy to a celebration of life.
As a witness and participant in the CFD for 8 of the last 10 years, I was moved to reflect that the 9 and their families had paid an enormous price, but the dedication of those still serving had done an admirable job of never forgetting.
From Captain Karl Morris
Approaching the Sofa Super Store site is always a tough feat. For some reason, though, the remembrance ceremony seemed to bring about a proud moment amidst all the heartache. The site of the tillers raised, the endless sea of dark and light blue dress uniforms, the flag flying high, and the nine markers spread out on the sunny, hot and humid evening. Former, current and future firefighters all in one place, standing shoulder to shoulder, to show support for these nine great guys. The families were escorted down the line of fire department members to be seated under the large white tent. As each family passed, my eyes followed the emptiness left in their hearts.
This is the same emptiness I had 10 years ago when I learned that we had lost nine members. Amid total chaos, we were running around pulling hoses, checking on guys who made it out, putting PASS devices in cars so we could hear, and waiting for someone to answer. Nine guys and 10 years later, I am back at the site.
The chaos is now gone. There is calm in the air. I smiled as I listened to stories about the 9, remembering their ways. I see family members crying and smiling as they commemorate those they lost. The sounds of bagpipes bring back the memories of attending nine funerals in one week, something I never want to do again. I think about what we have done as a department in 10 years to avoid that. Yet again, I find myself smiling to know that we are honoring our Charleston 9 because we have made changes to better our department and NEVER let this happen again.
After 10 years, the pain has been eased ever so slightly. The families continue to support our progression. The 10-year memorial brought everyone together to honor and celebrate the nine CFD members and their families. Special thanks to all involved for making this 10-year memorial a significant event.
More Charleston Anniversary Coverage
- Remembering the Charleston 9: Still Riding by Dr. David Griffin – firehouse.com/12343672
- Progress Pushes Charleston Firefighters After Tragedy by Peter Matthews – firehouse.com/12342701
- Charleston 9 Station by Peter Matthews – firehouse.com/12346121
