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Governor issues request that all flags be lowered to half mast to honor fallen firefighters

web posted June 20, 2007
BELOW: The sign at the Merriwether Fire Department
CHARLESTON – Nine firefighters lost their lives on Monday in Charleston fighting a fire at a mattress warehouse and firefighters across the state and the nation morn the loss of those who placed their own lives at risk to save all others. The Merriwether Fire Department placed a sign at the main station Tuesday afternoon in remembrance of those who gave all to save others. EdgefieldDaily.com would also like to honor those who pushed fear aside and entered an area all others would run from.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford issued the following release late Tuesday afternoon. "What happened in Charleston last night is an all too tragic reminder of the danger faced by firefighters and other men and women in uniform as they put themselves in harm's way each and every day to keep the rest of us safe," Gov. Sanford said. "These are truly some of South Carolina's bravest, who in this case made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I'd ask each and every South Carolinian to join me, Jenny and the boys in keeping these nine families in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult weeks and months ahead."

The governor has asked that state flags be lowered on all state buildings today in remembrance of the sacrifice made by these firefighters.

The identities of the firefighters were:

Name: William "Billy" Hutchinson
Rank: Captain
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 30

Name: Mike Benke
Rank: Captain
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 29

Name: Louis Mulkey
Rank: Captain
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 11

Name: Mark Kelsey
Rank: Engineer
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 12

Name: Bradford "Brad" Baity
Rank: Engineer
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 9

Name: Michael French
Rank: Assistant Engineer
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 1

Name: James "Earl" Drayton
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 32

Name: Brandon Thompson
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 4

Name: Melven Champaign
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 46
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 2

Fire Department: Charleston Fire Department
Address: 46 1/2 Wentworth ST., Charleston, SC 29401
Telephone: (843) 720-1981
Fire Department Chief: Russell Thomas

Incident Description: Nine Charleston Fire Department firefighters passed away while operating in the interior of a Sofa Super Store attempting to rescue two employees. Initial reports indicate that rapid fire progress caused the roof of the structure to collapse along with large shelves that held heavy furniture, trapping the firefighters.

Identified as those who lost their lives are Captain William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48; Captain Mike Benke, 49; Captain Louis Mulkey, 34; Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40; Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, 37; Assistant Engineer Michael French, 27; Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton, 56;
Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27, and Firefighter Melven Champaign, 46.

Witnesses reported at least four citizens were rescued by firefighters. More details are pending further investigation. The cause of the fire is not believed to have been intentional.

Map view of incident location (grid: 17SNS9157228210):

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Donations can be sent to The City of
Charleston Firemen's Fund, P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC, 29402.

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Melven Champaign at
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 56 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2007 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2007. Please note, running totals of firefighter fatalities used on these initial notices do not necessarily reflect the number of firefighter fatalities used in totals for the (provisional) monthly year-to-date USFA firefighter fatality reports, or year-end (provisional) reports posted online http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm

 

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