Eight years ago, nine firefighters lost their lives while battling the Sofa Super Store fire.
And although many years have gone by, our fallen brothers have not been forgotten.
Here’s a look back at some of the best past and present news coverage paying tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives and examining the lessons that will prevent similar tragedies.
Today, and every day, we remember:
Engineer Bradford “Brad” Baity, of Engine 19; Capt. Mike Benke of Engine 16; Firefighter Melvin Champaign, of Engine 16; Firefighter James “Earl” Drayton, of Engine 19; Asst. Engineer Michael French, of Ladder 5; Capt. William Hutchinson, of Engine 19; Engineer Mark Kelsey, of Ladder 5; Capt. Louis Mulkey, of Engine 15; and Firefighter Brandon Thompson, of Ladder 5.
 | Community prepares for Charleston 9’s 7th anniversary The fire department will ring a bell and call out the names of the nine firefighters who died battling the Sofa Super Store fire. |
 | Firefighter turns to comedy after Sofa Super Store fire He turned to comedy for a much-needed distraction after suffering from PTSD, depression and survivor’s guilt. |
 | In Honor of The Charleston 9: A Study of Change Following Tragedy A new book by firefighter Dr. David Griffin reveals how lessons learned from the deadly 2007 Sofa Super Store Fire led to changes among emergency services that other departments can benefit from. |
 | Report: Charleston Fire Department fixing old mistakes Critical incident review report starts with memorandum including the department’s action plan 48-hours after Daniel Island fire. |
 | NIST: Lack of sprinklers contributed to Charleston LODDs Investigators from NIST released a report into the 2007 Sofa Super Store firefighter deaths, highlighting contributing factors. |
 | Charleston: Moving forward but never forgetting There have been many firsts,challenges and numerous changes. Healing is still happening on a daily basis. |
 | Charleston fire department blamed in 9 firefighter deaths The report said firefighters did not follow standard safety practices and had obsolete equipment when battling the Sofa Super Store blaze. |
 | Audio details last moments in Charleston sofa store fire Some of the nine firefighters killed shouted “Mayday!” and may have recited prayers. Another said “I love you.” |
 | Charleston Fire Capt. explains conditions at LODD scene Captain Chris Villarreal emphasized the importance of firefighters being able to spot the first signs of rapidly deteriorating conditions. |
 | Routley urges firefighters to learn lessons from Charleston tragedy at FRI “If there’s anything we can do to honor these nine firefighters, it’s to teach our firefighters and ourselves not to let the same thing happen to us,” he said. |
 | NIST Charleston LODDs investigation This computer animation released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology shows a simulation of the fire spreading in the Charleston Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine firefighters. It also shows how sprinklers would have slowed. |
 | Charleston memorial service photo gallery Firefighters from across the nation came together to remember the nine Charleston firefighters. |