In Memoriam

The Charleston Firefighters

Here in New England, we had just given pause on Sunday to remember the 35th Anniversary of the Hotel Vendome Fire, which claimed the lives of nine valiant Boston firefighters when Americans received the awful news that a similar tragedy had struck in Charleston, where nine firefighters lost their lives battling a warehouse fire.

Anytime a community loses a public servant in the line of duty it is a terrible loss, because these are the men and women who accept the challenge of protecting the public. It requires a unique degree of courage to carry that burden every day. It was just over seven 1/2 years ago when six Worcester firefighters died trying to knock down a viscous warehouse blaze, and the outpouring of public support to the families and the community devastated by the tragedy was incredible.

Police officers and firefighters go to work each day with the inherent risk that they may be called upon to make such a sacrifice. Hopefully, we pray that day never comes, yet in communities large and small across America, they are there in a moment’s notice should any danger befall any one of us. Then, we are so painfully reminded that there are such brave souls who are prepared to make the ultimate public sacrifice.

Let’s offer a moment’s thought and prayer to the Charleston Firefighters, their families, friends and the community which is in mourning. Let us be thankful not only for their bravery, but also for the safety and well-being of all of our public safety personnel across America. May they return home safely to their loved ones each and every day.

On this sad day, we remember especially:

Capt. William “Billy” Hutchinson, 48;
Capt. Mike Benke, 49;
Capt. 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.

Rest In Peace.