Nation's Firefighters Mourn Their Own

Charleston, S.C., Holds Memorial Service For 9 Firemen Killed In Furniture Store Blaze

(CBS/AP)  Like the grief, the memorial convoy seemed endless — 300 fire trucks, at one point filing past the wreckage from Monday's disaster, leading to North Charleston's Coliseum, where 20,000 people stared at nine flag-draped coffins.

Thousands of firefighters from across the nation, their hats in their hands as bagpipes played, came Friday to honor nine colleagues who died battling a furniture store blaze. From California to Massachusetts, it seemed as though every fire station in America felt this loss.

"We're a family. Families stick together — best part about this job," Capt. Thomas Alix of the North Charleston Fire Department, told CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann.

Monday night's fire created the single largest loss of firefighters' lives since the Sept. 11 terror attacks in 2001.

"They did what they and every firefighter is prepared to do every day they put on their badge — to risk their life and, if necessary, give their life to make their community safer," Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley told mourners.

The faces of its victims looked out from large photos set beside each casket: Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48; Capt. Mike Benke, 49; Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34; Mark Kelsey, 40; Bradford "Brad" Baity, 37; Michael French, 27; James "Earl" Drayton, 56; Brandon Thompson, 27; and Melvin Champaign, 46.

"It was their calling, it was their training, it was their duty and unflinchingly, without hesitation, with extreme courage, they did it," Riley said, adding, "They're public servants of the highest order."

Outside the coliseum, more than 250 firefighters formed a human passageway for the men's family members, each wearing a red carnation, to enter the service with uniformed escorts.

"Monday June 18th is a day our city will never forget. We lost nine of the bravest men doing what they loved to do best, Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas said. "Those guys were the best."

Thomas, who knew each man, told stories about them. Each time, he paused to say their name before launching into tales that often drew burst of laughter and applause from the crowd.

In one vignette, Thomas recalled a fire call he went on with Drayton in 1977.

"We got a call at like three o'clock in the morning ... and he's hollering, 'Rusty, get this thing going! ... That's my house!"' said Thomas, whose father also served in the department.

[kiddbilly]

god bless these fireman and their famlies!!
i don't think any of the politicians that are not fireman or former fireman should be allowed to attent the services. how sick can they be? these are the rotten sobs' that want to run our country. they make me puke!!!!!! and if anyone that votes for them should burn in hell

[mswolfestock]

I agree with kiddbilly - NO politicians should be there. I am sickened and disgusted that any politician would do this - but it tells me everything I need to know about them and I'll die before I vote for any of them. Shame on them.

To the good folks of Charleston I offer my condolences. I hope y'all can find a way to deal with your loss and grief. I'm going to stop by the local fire department, to offer my condolences and to give these brave men and women my thanks for their bravery and courage - all for others.

[nolalou]

kiddbilly,

I also feel bad for the families of those firemen who died in S.C. I don't agree with your anger at some of the presidental candidates that attended the service. As long as they didn't get up and make a speach, and just quietly observed the service. They had every right to be there and pay thier respects, just like anyone else. If they didn't show up, someone else might complain they were insensitive for not appearing to show thier respect for those who lost thier lives.

[kiddbilly]

nolalou.you could be correct but if that really was the case then why didn't all tne canidates,mayors congressman senators etc show up? why didn't every body in the u.s.a.not show up? because were not running for president.come on let's be real!!they still make me puke!!!!

[snoopy28173]

I commend the canadates for showing their respects to these fallen hereos. They came to show their respects, not to camain for office. Every citizen has a right to go to these funerals. After all, these hereos protect everyone and don't pick and choose. If I could have been down to Charleston, I would. But that's hard when the state says because of a visual imparement, it is unsafe and illegal for you to drive. And flying from Charlotte to Charleston would be the biggest waste because by the time you get to the airport, get though security, get on the plane, get there, get your bags, and check into a hotel, you could be to Charleston anyway.

[seven-pesos]

now comes the investigation.

what were these fellows doing up on the roof, anyway.

you know how these warehouses are constructed.

support beams with wafer thin roofs.

not built to be walking upon.

especially with a raging fire going on below.

what's with that?

[craash1]

what were these fellows doing up on the roof, anyway. Posted by seven-pesos

UH SEVEN-PESOS, SPEND 5 PESOS AND GET A CLUE, THEY WEREN'T ON THE ROOF, THEY WERE IN THE BUILDING RESCUING EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY!

as a native charlestonian, i feel compelled to reply to kiddbilly's rantings about the candidates attending the memorial service today. many charleston firemen went to new york city after 9/11 to give whatever assistance they could. former mayor rudy guiliani would have been remiss had he not attended the service today to show his respect for these fallen firefighters. i too question why those other candidates showed up, but it is their right to do so. so kiddbilly and the rest of you who condemned those politicians for attending, you better get your facts straight. guiliani had a moral obligation to be there!!!

[sclaires]

As to some of the comments about politicians attending the memorial for our fallen firefighters, they were seated at the back of the coliseum and not allowed to give any speeches. I can see why Rudy Guiliana was there as Charleston firefighters were there for his firefighters following 9/11. Firefighters came from Alaska, Alberta, Canada, and all over the rest of this great country to show support to the families of the fallen. And, what was not mentioned in the story is that firefighters from all around the Low Country manned the fire houses so that ALL the Charleston firefighters could attend the memorial. Yes, firefighters are a very tight knit community and they help whenever and where ever they can. As a South Carolina native and Charleston born, I look up to the firefighters who, at their own expense, came from far and near to attend the memorial. You couldn't ask for a better turnout!!

[mary-61]

I think that if the politicians want to attend and show their respect for these fallen firefighters then they should. If no politicians showed up people would bash them for that. I don't have a lot of positive things to say about most politicians but, I think it's always good to show your respect. The fire fighters did serve the community and if it's in thier jurisdiction they should be there.
Most importantly though, GOD BLESS the fallen sirefights and be with them and expecailly thier families. It's tragic and my heart goes out to you.