A day that changed CharlestonThe Post and Courier
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A lone flagpole juts from the sun-baked dirt and gravel that cover a sprawling, vacant lot in the middle of Savannah Highway's bustling retail corridor. Nine white crosses made from sections of PVC pipe line the sidewalk outside a chain-link fence that rings the site. The massive furniture outlet that once stood on this land is long gone, its charred remains torn down and carted away. But the legacy of the Sofa Super Store fire still looms large over this sacred ground, as it does over the whole community. Nine Charleston firefighters died here one year ago this Wednesday, battling a trash fire that raced inside the store and exploded into a rolling inferno. The air turned black, the roof collapsed and nine men became indelible figures in Charleston's storied past. Special CoverageThe deadly fire left a city shaken to its core, reeling from a loss that came out of nowhere on a lazy Lowcountry night. The blaze is the nation's deadliest firefighting tragedy since Sept. 11, 2001. But in some ways, the fire marked the beginning of the story. In the days that followed, hundreds stood in a driving rain just to look at the ruins, lay a flower on a memorial or light a candle in remembrance. Some 10,000 mourners from around the nation filed into a coliseum to pay their last respects. Others stopped by fire stations to give flowers, food, condolences and thanks. Some $4 million in donations poured in to a city fund to help the families of the dead. THIS WEEK IN THE POST AND COURIERTUESDAY:"Surviving the Fire, Part One." Three firefighters from Station 6 on Cannon Street barely escaped the store before it exploded in flames. The experience formed a bond that will link their lives forever. WEDNESDAY:"Surviving the Fire, Part Two." Station 16 in West Ashley lost nearly an entire shift in the fire. Learn how the lone survivor and his new crew have overcome grief and change to reach a place they call "the new normal." THURSDAY: Coverage of the anniversary memorial services. CHARLESTON.NET EXTRAS VIDEO: A video timeline of events surrounding the Sofa Super Store fire since June 18. COMING WEDNESDAY: An audio slideshow of life at Station 16 since the fire. But the grieving soon gave way to tough questions: Why were so many firefighters inside the store when it exploded in flames? How could so many have died? The blaze sparked a thorough and often painful examination of the city's proud fire department that led to changes in almost every facet of its operation. In the year since June 18, nearly every question about the fire has been answered, save perhaps the most obvious one: What caused the fire? Experts have suggested that carelessly discarded "smoking materials" were the likely culprit. Charleston police and federal investigators won't say what they think of that theory. An investigation of how the fire started is expected to grind on for weeks, if not months, past the fire's first anniversary as police wait for a federal agency to reconstruct and analyze the blaze using computer modeling. Then, investigators will huddle with prosecutors to discuss possible criminal charges. While the cause remains elusive, the outcome already has led to sweeping change. A scathing report from an independent consulting panel found that the fire department's practices were 30 years out of date. This left firefighters utterly unprepared for the fire they faced that night, according to the panel. The city is in the process of shelling out some $7.4 million in response to the fire, much of that spending tagged for upgrading the fire department's equipment, tactics and operations. The report led to some hard questions for Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who repeatedly expressed unwavering support for Fire Chief Rusty Thomas and held steadfast to the claim that the fire department was among the best in the country. Only recently did Riley acknowledge that the department had deficiencies. Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.Each new finding triggered fresh debate and finger-pointing, and the long-serving mayor found himself tussling with a normally complacent City Council. He even sat down for talks with leaders of local and national firefighters unions, something he long had resisted. The drumbeat of criticism prompted Thomas' abrupt decision to retire at month's end. Some of his top commanders are expected to follow suit in the months ahead. A nationwide search is under way for a new fire chief. Harder to accomplish is healing those left behind. 
Wade Spees A bouquet of flowers is tied to a fence at the site of the tragic Sofa Super Store fire on Savannah Highway Last June, firefighters exchanged hugs and shed tears amid the scorched and tangled ruins of the Sofa Super Store. But the questions since have created camps and divisions within a professional brotherhood once known for its unity. Hard feelings also have emerged among some families of the fallen. The tragedy opened rifts about survivor benefits, wrongful death lawsuits and how best to honor the sacrifice of their loved ones. This Wednesday, all involved hope to put those feelings aside, if just for one day, as they pay tribute to the men who were lost: Brad Baity, Mike Benke, Melvin Champaign, Earl Drayton, Mike French, Billy Hutchinson, Mark Kelsey, Louis Mulkey and Brandon Thompson. MEMORIAL SERVICE WHAT: The city of Charleston will hold a memorial service Wednesday to honor the nine city firefighters who died in last year’s Sofa Super Store blaze in West Ashley. WHERE: Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. WHEN: 10 a.m. DETAILS: The service will last about one hour. Seating is limited, so families of the fallen and firefighters will be seated first. A closed-circuit television will be set up in the Gaillard’s Exhibition Hall for overflow attendance. Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556. Reach Ron Menchaca at 937-5724 or rmenchaca@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 29 comment(s)
Posted by Burntower on June 15, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To my brothers that I have lost, know that I have not gone one day without bleeding for you and your families. I thank you or your sacrafice and know in my heart that every single time I am on a call I will have my 9 BROTHERS behind me. No matter what comes of this I have become the Firefighter I am today with all of your help, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
RIP
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on June 15, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ANOTHER QUESTION STILL HAS NOT BEEN ANSWERED....
WHY HAS THE OWNER OF THE SOFA SUPER STORE BEEN SO PROTECTED OF HIS WRONG DOING? ALLOWED TO OPEN OTHER STORES WITH NO CHARGES AGAINST HIM FOR BREAKING THE LAW....A COUPLE OF TIMES???
it's been a crappy year for the families of our nine brother's and our brotherhood.
never forgetting together,
missy
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on you Riley! You are awful.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
""Then, investigators will huddle with prosecutors to discuss possible criminal charges.""
Yeah. Lets charge Rusty Thomas and Joe Riley and the other city inspectors who caused all of this! That is what the nation expects. That is where the TRUE blame falls. Riley and Rust killed those men!
Posted by carolinapanther on June 15, 2008 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776, the best way to heal is to forgive. Let go of all the hatred and anger built up inside you.
Posted by UrGatorbait on June 15, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen to that Panther
Posted by Paul on June 15, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not until all parties, especially Mayor Riley and Chief Rusty, are investigated, the results either used to prosecute or aquitt, will this matter be finally resolved.
Only then we can move forward and heal.
Posted by lowcountrylover on June 15, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KING JOE HAS GOT TO GO.
Posted by dlschwerin on June 15, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Some $4 million in donations poured in to a city fund to help the families of the dead"
yet the families still want to sue the city and store owner for more?
Where is the story on the 1 year anniversary for Constable Robert Lee Bailey who died protecting his community on the 14th of May? How much of the 4 million dollars did his family recieve? How can we let the memories of the others who died in the line of duty be forgotten?
Posted by Burntower on June 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel what your saying about the money, not saying any of this is right. I feel that all who give their life should have the ones they leave behind taken care of.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Panther .. go hug your friend, Riley, and thank him for killing those 9. Then go back to hell where you came from.
Posted by 3olivesmike on June 15, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas you certainly should be a person of interest to the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials whenever political candidates or other public officials visit Charleston. Wouldn't surprise me.
Posted by moonpie on June 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wow thomas is pissed!
This is going to be a story every June. The SSS owner broke laws and zoning rules and he also conributed to the fire. He's paying for that now and should! The blame for the deaths I think rest on the CCFD policies, chief, & mayor for all the reasons found in the reports. Do we have to re-hash that today?
It's fathers day and I'm sure these families are struggling with their loss. I can say to them time will not let you forget, nor should you, but it does get easier with time. Don't revel in their death but celebrate your time with them on this earth.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 15, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to admit I have wondered why the SSS owner has not been held more accountable.CCFD went into a recipe for disaster.I understand policies and things in the CCFD couldve been better.But that store was an accident waiting to happen,a ticking time bomb.Several people have posted before saying they were in that store and felt unsafe.God Bless the fallen 9 and their families-we will never forget.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 15, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ya, know, I think fire fighters do an awesome job. I'm glad that Rusty is gone; as he was 100% incompitent and I hope that the people in Charleston now see what a crappy mayor Riley makes, but....
I think this whole story has been milked for all you can get out of it. It's time no move on. I'm tired of hearing about it. No memorial to stupidity, no yearly coverage of stupidity... just move on. Fix the problems and let this embarassing issue go away. Charleston seems intent on having it's own little 9/11 to whine about and, quite frankly, it's getting old.
Posted by jameschucktown on June 15, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Panther, you are a bigger person than me.
Thomas, you are still one sick puppy. Do you ever sleep? Do you ever laugh? Do you have a heart? Please take your meds--for your sake because you are so filled with hate and anger your friends (if you have any)and family will get tired of your sickness.
Posted by vesta on June 15, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The “forgiveness” part of this probably comes more for the families of the nine. Today there are nine households who, celebrating Father’s Day, do not have a son at that table, or a father or a father-to-be. The “forget and move on” is really terrible advice. Apparently that is what the CFD did after the Albright Wilson fiasco. Ten years later, nine ffs lost their lives. To “forget” this fact now or years from now is to not learn from mistakes. Thank goodness, many stations are using copies of the Routley Report as part of their training manuals. The majority of ffs do not join this profession to die. They are professional firefighters so that others will not die if they can help it. Many of the Charleston fire fighters told all of us exactly what was wrong with their department long before the mayor hired the Routely panel. I would love to see the Post and Courier reprint many of their comments. In early July these ffs were “silenced” by a memo ordering them not to talk. Later, when some were brave enough to talk to the media, they were referred to as liars by their mayor. If and until the CFD is properly led, trained and equipped, this isn’t over. It is too easy to say, “Hey, they are now going in the right direction,” and then forget about the fire department once again. No, until they arrive at the point that they are properly led, trained and equipped, the lesson has not been learned. For the CFD it may take years. Other fire departments are learning from these mistakes, but it is at an awful cost…the loss of nine men. To funnel money into infrastructures such as bridges, parks, etc. named after politicians to the neglect of public agencies such as the CFD is a sin. More rural areas than Charleston better equip and train their fire departments and have more qualified leaders.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 15, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
vesta, in re-reading all of the post, no one gave any "forget and move on" advice.
Posted by vesta on June 15, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbeer: This was aimed at the politicians and their supporters, who seem to think that "we are on our way to improvement, so let's just drop the subject." Unfortunately for the families of the nine and the ffs at the CFD, the memorial service will probably be a lot of "political words" such as these.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
3olivesmike,
Yes you are a person of interest to them because you stalk and harass others on the internet - especially here on this website as is well recorded. So how many names do you post under here on the Post and Courier? We're up to 3 now. Have you recently created some more? Sure looks like it. I bet you even know Frank Hunt :D
Now go check Title 42 United State Code along with the annotated case law.
All I do is laugh at the cyber bullies. Must be a bunch of cantankerous old men with no life. LOL!
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Moonpie? It is impossible to determine whether or not I am angry or not. But join the club of delusional idiots who think they have crystal balls. The internet, including this one, is full of abnormal posters such as yourself. People like them just make me laugh while I type. And for those who enjoy attacking me, the truth of the matter is that I own you. Your own anger gets the best of you.
But guess who Coldbeer is? It was mentioned on WTMA this past Friday. Some one exposed Rocky D. LMAO!
I pity you and the others. But keep addressing me and calling me childish names with other insults. It bothers me not at all. Adolescent behavior is how it's deemed. And again, when I make someone mad enough to stoop to such a level ... .. .
Have a nice day and may God Bless You! SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH!!!!!
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 15, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Careful lowcountrylover ... the though police are all around. Next thing your know they will be telling you that you need to take your meds and the Secret Service are watching you! But just direct them to the 1st Amendment and the criminal penalties for threatening someone for exercising their constitutional and civil rights. BTW .. not many LEOs even know Civil Rights law. Imagine that? Now some dumb SC state troopers are going to prison.
Nevertheless ... YES RILEY HAS GOT TO GO!
Posted by SCPDBLUE on June 15, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With the deaths of my brothers in red ,the brave Chas. 9 and the constant media attention given to them. Lets not forget the tri-County 4 who we also lost but seem to be forgetten by the press and the community that these brave men swore to protect. They are as followed. Moncks Corner PD Officer Lonnie Wells E.O.W.3-25-07 Moncks Corner PD Cpl.Marcus Stiles E.O.W.3-26-07 Dorchester County SO Deputy Phillip M. Deese 3-9-07 and S.C.State Constable Robert L. Bailey E.O.W. 5-14-07. These men along with 181 men and women payed the ultimate sacrifice in 2007. Their names along with 18,000+ LEO's are engraved on the cold granite walls of the Police memorial in Washington, DC as a reminder of what dangers LE faces everyday on the streets of America.God Bless our fallen public servents and the families they leave behind.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on June 15, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbeer says, "No memorial to stupidity, no yearly coverage of stupidity... just move on."
Any memorial in whatever shape it takes would not be to the stupidity nor the stubborn attitude of the retiring Rusty Thomas or Joe Riley. It would be for the spirit, courage and self-sacrifice of the nine who gave their life in an attempt to rescue a civilian whom they believed to be in harm's way. To "move on" would indicate that the populace of the City of Charleston is satisfied with the status quo. I don't believe that they are and won't be so long as Joe Riley refuses to accept any part of the responsibility for the condition of the equipment which these men worked nor for the leadership which was provided...which unfortunately was thirty years out of date as we have since learned.
To "move on" would imply that only the immediate families to grieve their loss on the anniversary each year and I don't believe that they should be abandoned. I am not saying that Coldbeer adheres to this opinion but I can certainly understand how it could be construed as such.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 15, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PalmettoHawk, I don't think that there is anything that can be done that would ever make Riley accept the responsibility for this tragedy. He is no longer living in reality when it comes to this topic, seeing himself only as part of the saddened survivors and not part of the cause, which he is.
I agree that changes are due in the city's fire department and I hope those changes will be made and the department properly trained and given the equipment that they need to do the job correctly. When I say "move on", I'm certainly not suggesting that we short change the improvements that are needed. I say "move on" because we here in the low country tend to dwell on things forever and ever. The lives were needlessly lost. Rusty is gone (rightfully) and hopefully, after the next election, Riley will be gone. Make the necessary improvements and move on. I see no need to build a memorial or drum up any new articles. The low country has lost MANY great men and women that were doing there jobs serving the public. If we try and memorialize all of them this way, we're going to be a pretty dreary state. The best thing we can do, in the memory of the lost firefighters is to fix the department and get rid of those responsible for their deaths.
Posted by moonpie on June 15, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"thomas" I just said your pissed today? Back off homey...
Posted by reality_woman on June 16, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's all move on here. Why are we so into this event? We don't mourn servicemen like this nor the police shot and killed in the line of duty. These families are suing left and right. No amount of money will bring the loved ones back. Stop the ongoing witch hunt. Rusty is gone changes are being made. I wish this never happpend, but it did. It's time to drop this article and it's coverage from the front page.
Posted by CaptPete on June 16, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope the newly shift/station assigned personnel enjoyed fathers day. Speaking out against your boss doesn't pay sometimes.
Posted by motoflyguy on June 16, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is amazing that the same blabermouths that blame everyone else for this tragedy are the same ones who howl like babies and refuse to support the laws that will change the death tolls from fires. Pray that the house and senate overide the govonors veto of the fire sprinkler bill THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!