Nation's Firefighters Mourn Their Own

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

(CBS/AP) 
He talked of how Kelsey had the energy of the "Energizer Bunny" and how Hutchinson was nicknamed "Lightning."

"It's not because he moved so fast. My dad said, it would have to strike around him to get him to move," Thomas said.

But he also issued a challenge to his department. "The challenge is that we'll never forget. The challenge is, each one of those companies in the City of Charleston Fire Department, I want them to do something every single day," Thomas said. "When we go to work, we will never forget these nine great heroes that worked for the City of Charleston Fire Department and served this community like no one else has ever served."

Black bunting hung over the lighted signs around the 9,000-seat arena, and officials planned to broadcast the service to screens outside and inside an adjacent performing arts center and nearby convention center.

"When we lose one, it affects us all," said Lt. James Diego, who drove from the Newport News, Va., Fire Department with several colleagues. "Most of us have suffered some sort of loss in our careers, and it's a way to pay back the people who supported us when we had a line of duty death."

Nearby the ceremony, a retired Marine stood outside with an American flag.

"I joined the Marine Corps when a couple of these kids were just being born. If that don't make you cry, you're not a human being," said Robert Turner, 47. "These guys do the same thing that we did in the Marine Corps. It's all duty. It's all honor. It's all for your country or for somebody else. You don't join the service to get rich. You don't become a firefighter to get rich."

Among those expected for the service were South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee — both presidential candidates — as well as Barbara Richardson, wife of Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who is also running.

But South Carolina Firefighters Association President Joe Palmer said dignitaries would be seated at the back, well away from firefighters' families.

"This event is about the firemen who were lost — honoring them and their families. It is not a political event and shouldn't be politicized in any way," said Jeff Zack, a spokesman for the International Association of Firefighters. He said firefighters were coming from as far as Arizona and the Canadian province of Alberta.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the gathering that the nine firefighters "demonstrated the same bravery our nation witnessed on Sept. 11."

"The tragedy of Monday reminds us that we live in a world in which danger is all around us," he said.

Chertoff also read a message from President Bush and the first lady. "Their willingness to sacrifice for others demonstrated the true meaning of heroism," Chertoff read. "Each of the fallen will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts."

The investigation into the warehouse fire was still under way Friday.

Officials on Thursday released tapes of several 911 calls about the fire. While federal investigators have not confirmed where the blaze, some of the 10 recordings bolster the assertion several city fire officials have made that it likely started at the back of the store in a covered space between the showroom and a warehouse crammed with furniture.

A store employee told The Associated Press that workers frequently smoked cigarettes in that area and were strongly cautioned to carefully throw them away.

Federal investigators have not discussed possible causes for the fire, and have not revealed if they are considering whether a cigarette could have started the blaze.

"We have made fantastic progress in this investigation, however, it still has to be a very systematic, deliberate investigation," said Earl Woodham, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The city and the South Carolina's Labor, Licensing and Regulation Department say they plan to investigate whether Charleston fire crews violated safety procedures and whether they had proper training and equipment to respond to the blaze.

"Part of the purpose is to look, for us or any fire department in the country, if there are lessons learned in terms of how well things were done or any aspect of it," Riley said Wednesday, adding that he's confident the department followed proper procedure.

Fire officials have defended how they handled the fire.

"They didn't make a mistake when they first went in there," said Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Classen. "They did exactly what they were supposed to do. There's no question."

[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.

[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!!

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!!!

[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!

[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?

[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.

[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!!!!

[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.

[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.

[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