| Editor’s note: Two memorial services took place on June 18 to remember the Charleston 9. In this exclusive article for FireRescue1, the department’s PIO looks back on the events and looks ahead to the future. |
Charleston Anniversary Memorial Page
FireRescue1’s Year in Review 2008
By PIO Mark R. Ruppel
Charleston Fire Department
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As I sit down and reflect on the past year in the City of Charleston Fire Department, there have been many firsts, challenges we have overcome and numerous changes. Healing is still happening on a daily basis.
The one monumental event that stands out in my mind is the anniversary memorial the city and department held on held on June 18, one year after the tragic Sofa Super Store fire when our department lost nine firefighters.
There were two events planned for the day; the first a public event held in the morning at a municipal auditorium and the second a private event held for the families and guests on the site of the tragic fire. I had the pleasure of coordinating both events.
I was very fortunate by the fact that the committee established to help plan and execute both events was probably the best in the country and worked countless hours — as well as their normal job duties — to pull off both of these events flawlessly.
Starting eight months out, the fire department held meetings once a month with representatives from all nine firefighter families. The meetings were coordinated by our excellent Peer Support Group led by Gerald Mishoe.
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The early meetings were conceptual where we were trying to get all representatives on the same page. Soon the concepts were understood and then it was our job to put the conceptual ideas into reality. The committee met weekly for the three months leading up to memorial and soon the event was just seven days away.
Normally the weather in Charleston in June is hot and humid, but that week we had record breaking heat and humidity. Having meetings at the site and trying to set up the large tents and groom the site was a challenge. The day before was a total blur as we did countless rehearsals for both events, and finalized plans with families and dignitaries.
As I drove home to spend a few hours with my family, an unprecedented summer thunderstorm played havoc on the city. My cell phone rang and I got the word that the tent at the site (for the evening memorial) had been uprooted and blown away. Numerous members of the fire department and I worked feverishly and soon we were back in the ball game.
After briefly stopping home to change clothes and get to the early morning dress rehearsal, it was clear to me that these events were about to become reality. As I drove into downtown Charleston stressed about both events, I saw the most magnificent sunrise I had ever seen in my 15 years of living here.
I quickly had a realization that today was one of the most important days in the fire department’s history and that all the hard work now seemed insignificant. As I stepped out of my car at the municipal auditorium, I was met with a blast of cooler air, which for Charleston was very unusual.
The families arrived, as did the firefighters and the event was amazing. But the one memory that stands firm in my mind is the gathering outside of the auditorium after the event. Family members, firefighters, dignitaries and media all “hung out” for an extended period of time with no agenda and comforted each other. It was truly an amazing feeling and sight.
Then, the next challenge was fast approaching — a memorial with only family and firefighters on the site of the Sofa Super Store property. The event was very solemn with a brief sermon by Chaplain Rob Dewey, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.
Bagpipes followed, then each family lit a candle at the exact location where their loved one was located. As the candles were lit, the Charleston firefighters lined up and surrounded the families. As the event ended, firefighters, family and the public all mingled, sharing stories, hugs and tears.
Looking ahead, 2009 should be a very exciting year for the Charleston Fire Department. We will move forward but we will never forget. The following people made up the Memorial Committee and need to know that their hard work was truly appreciated by the families and firefighters:
Jane Baker Manager, Neighborhood Services and Special Projects
Steve Bedard, Chief Financial Officer
Gerald Mishoe, CFD Peer Support Group
Bob Miracle, Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Ellen Moryl, Director Cultural Affairs
Hernan Pena, Director Traffic and Transportation
Erin Randall, Senior Budget Analyst
Wes Ratteree, Chief Information Officer
Barbara Rossi, Administrative Specialist
Francis Searson Lt. Traffic Charleston Police Dept.
Barbara Vaughn, Director of Public Information
Laurie Yarbrough, Director of recreation
Romaine Heyward, Event Coordinator
Gary Nestler, Logistics Coordinator