One Year Later...

One year ago today, nine brave men lost their lives while fighting a horrendous fire that broke out at the Sofa Super Store--the worst firefighter disaster since September 11th. These men have since become known as The Charleston Nine. Today we honor those men.

• Captain William "Billy" Hutchinson--48 years old--30 years of service
• Captain Mike Benke--49 years old--29 years of service
• Captain Louis Mulkey--34 years old--11 1/2 years of service
• Engineer Mark Kelsey--40 years old--12 1/2 years of service
• Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity--37 years old--9 years of service
• Assistant Engineer Michael French--27 years old--1 1/2 years of service
• Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton--56 years old--32 years of service
• Firefighter Brandon Thompson--27 years old--4 years of service
• Firefighter Melvin Champaign--46 years old--2 years of service

Words cannot express the utter despair I felt as I watched the fire. I ask you now to take ten minutes out of your day to watch this video honoring the bravery of the Charleston Nine, as well as every other man and woman who risked their life that horrible night. Please pray for the families of each of these men.

Rest in Peace, Heroes.

We will never forget.