By Jessica Johnson
The Post and Courier
Copyright 2007 The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
All Rights Reserved

CHARELSTON, S.C. — Capt. Bruce Bickley played "Amazing Grace" time and again for men he never knew.

Standing in Summerville Cemetery after Capt. Louis Mulkey was laid to rest Sunday, Bickley watched as family, friends and firefighters came to say goodbye.

He has learned about the men through their funeral services and became part of the station where three of the firefighters served.

"I've been absorbed in the atmosphere," Bickley said. "I'm honored beyond words."

The Fort Wayne, Ind., firefighter played again for Melvin Champaign on Monday - his fifth firefighter funeral since Saturday.

"I've been unable to define all the things I've seen," Bickley said, "and the things I am feeling."

Bickley hopped onto his motorcycle Thursday and drove 14 hours straight to Charleston for the same reason hundreds of firefighters from across the country and Canada did last week.

He arrived with his bagpipes in a case and $50 in his wallet.

"We felt something in our heart and soul," Bickley said. "We had to help."

Firefighters, as many have said, are all family, no matter where they are from.

Bickley didn't even know where the fire stations or ceremonies would be, but he knew that other firefighters would take him in, and they did.

Saturday he found himself at Station No. 10 Ladder 5, where three firefighters were lost. Between funerals, he helped man the station along with firefighters from across the state.

On Monday, Hilton Head firefighters covered the 24-hour shift. Hilton Head Capt. Pat Standish said that when firefighters visit another station, the crew will go to any lengths to make them feel welcome, because of the bond they share.

When Standish took the shift at Station No. 10 Monday, he said he felt like had known Bickley for 20 years.

"You're on the same plane right off the bat," he said.

Standish and other firefighters filled in at Charleston's area fire departments through the week so that Charleston firefighters could attend all funerals.

Area businesses and residents did their part, offering the substitute firefighters so much food that firefighters had to turn people away.

"I have witnessed the wonderful goodness of the human spirit," Bickley said.

Bickley left Charleston Tuesday morning to join his wife and family, who are waiting for him to join their vacation in North Carolina.

On the solitary ride, Bickley said he will process all that he has experienced.

"It'll give me the opportunity to maybe cry a little and let my emotions out."