By Ron Menchaca
Charleston Post and Courier
EMMITSBURG, Md. — In the seclusion of rolling countryside surrounded by perfect blue skies and the early orange-yellow hues of autumn, grieving families paused Sunday to honor the nation's fallen firefighters, including Charleston's nine.
Thousands attended the moving two-hour event in which the names of those killed in last year's Sofa Super Store fire on Savannah Highway and other fatal accidents around the country were added to the country’s official firefighter memorial on the grounds of the National Fire Academy.
The 27th annual service, organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the U.S. Fire Administration, paid tribute to 101 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2007. The campus' memorial honors more than 3,200 firefighters. South Carolina, with 10 on-duty deaths in 2007, accounted for nearly 10 percent of the nation’s firefighter fatalities.
Killed in the June 18, 2007, fire at the sofa store in West Ashley were Engineer Bradford Baity, 37; Capt. Theodore "Mike" Benke, 49; Firefighter Melvin Champaign, 56; Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton, 56; Assistant Engineer Michael French, 27;
Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48; Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40; Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34; and Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27. Wagener Firefighter Jeffrey Swartz, 36, accounted for South Carolina's remaining fire service fatality last year, having died in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a medical call on Aug. 19, 2007. Members from each of the nine families who lost loved ones in the sofa store fire traveled to Maryland for the weekend of tribute and remembrance. Some said the service marked a milestone in their grieving.
Diane French, mother of fallen firefighter Michael French, said the meticulously planned event comforted her, but she is relieved that it was the last of such public displays. "We were able to let some of our grief show," she said. "My family was honored to be a part of it. But how many times do we have to say goodbye?"
She said the nine families have grown closer through each such gathering and have come to rely on each other for strength and support. "Through this tragedy we have formed this bond,” she said. "We are an extended family now."
The names of the fallen were grouped by state and read aloud as firefighters presented survivors with folded American flags that had been flown over the White House. President Bush sent a written statement, saying that the dedication displayed by the fallen firefighters and their sacrifice "represent the best of our country."
The event also was highlighted by a series of fire service traditions, such as the playing of bag pipes, the releasing of white doves and the tolling of a bell. Lauren Mulkey, widow of fallen firefighter Louis Mulkey, said it was tough sitting through the emotional tributes but she was glad she made the trip.
"It kind of opened some wounds, but it also provides a sense of comfort being around people who have gone through it and continue to live with it."
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said he attended to represent the city, its citizens and the entire Lowcountry devastated by last year's tragedy.
As a speaker read the names of Charleston’s fallen, Riley said, he relived the profound sadness of the loss.
"My mind went back to the night of the fire and the funerals," Riley said. "It's heartbreaking again."
Still, to see the Charleston Fire Department's sacrifice recognized on a national stage was humbling and served as a reminder of the dedication firefighters show their communities every day, he said.
Capt. Lance Williams, head of the Charleston Fire Department’s honor guard, said his unit has worked far too many funerals and memorial services since last year’s fire.
Still, he said, the Maryland service was important because it was designed for the families left behind. "That's what it’s all about."
Former Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas, who retired one year after the fire amid criticism of his department's handling of the blaze, did not attend the service. The department was represented by a handful of top commanders, including Acting Deputy Chief William Finley.
Montgomery County (Md.) Fire Chief Thomas Carr Jr., who is expected to become Charleston’s new fire chief, also attended the service and participated in the ceremonies.
Carr said he's been attending the memorial for years because it helps remind him of the gravity of being responsible for firefighters' lives. "It's important as a chief to understand the reality of our job. "I take that responsibility seriously."
He said Sunday's somber event also served as a reminder of the healing and rebuilding that continues inside the Charleston Fire Department and the challenges ahead as he prepares to assume command. "In many ways, it invigorates me. It focuses me," he said.
