SC Station Vandalized ahead of Charleston 9 Anniversary
Source Firehouse.com News
A fire station built to honor nine Charleston, SC, firefighters who died in a sofa factory fire in 2007 was vandalized just before the tragic event's anniversary.
Gunfire struck Station No. 11, damaging the firehouse's glass doors, as well as two windows, The Post and Courier reports. Compacted bullets and partial bullet jackets were found by police at the scene.
“In the fire department, we’re shocked, we’re hurt, we’re angry,” Fire Chief Daniel Curia said during a Friday news conference, adding that the yet-to-open station is considered "sacred" to firefighters.
“This fire station, it’s very special,” Mayor John Tecklenburg said. “It’s right next to the Sofa Super Store, where nine valiant firefighters gave their lives. It’s, in a way, a part of our continuing tribute to them and memorial to them.”
On June 18, 2007, a trash fire on the Charleston's Sofa Super Store's loading dock spread to the business. Nine firefighters—Brad Baity, Mike Benke, Melvin Champaign, Earl Drayton, Mike French, Billy Hutchinson, Mark Kelsey, Louis Mulkey and Brandon Thompson—died after they were trapped when the building's roof collapsed.
Station 11 was designed to memorialize the Charleston 9 and had been set to open in a few weeks. The vandalism damage is estimated at $10,000, and the timeline to open the firehouse is in flux.
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Police had received reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the station, but it wasn't until Thursday morning that the city discovered the station had been hit. Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the station and have been canvassing the area.
Last year, a 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with vandalism after damaging crosses and flags at a memorial park for the Charleston 9. He pleaded guilty to attempted arson last month and sentenced to five years in prison, which was suspended in favor of mental health court, according to The Post and Courier.
