The Fallen Nine

Upcoming Benefits

For the Fireman's Fund

On June 18^th, 2007, nine firemen were tragically killed while trying to rescue two employees from a fire in the Sofa Super Store. According to witnesses the fire was small when the firemen first reached the blaze, but after they entered the building it quickly developed into a full scale inferno. The two employees were rescued but nine of the firemen were overcome and died at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Some believe the fire escalated so quickly for several reasons. One cause could have been the large amount of furniture that burnt quickly and at extremely high temperatures; the wide open space contained a lot of oxygen to feed the fire; and the lack of a sprinkler system, which was not required.

Thousands of firefighters from around the country attended the memorial on June 22^nd to show their respect and honor to those who gave their life in the line of duty and to their survivors. While many politicians also attended, they were seated at the back and the families and loved ones of the Fallen 9 were in the front.

While the memorial and funerals are over, the families, friends, and firefighters will forever suffer from the grief and trauma of this incident. Yet the community has rebounded heartily with support for them, both emotionally and financially. There have been numerous benefits and donations already but there are still several upcoming benefits that can help to add much-needed money to the fireman's fund. If you can't attend one, think about a donation, no matter how small, to the addresses listed. The next time you are in church, or taking a personal moment for prayer or meditation, please take a moment and say a prayer for these heroes who died while trying to protect others and their family and friends who are left behind. God bless them.

O'Hara & Flynn in the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre will host a wine pairing with wines, artisan cheeses, and more on Wed., July 11^th, 5-7 pm. It costs $35 and all benefits go to City of Charleston's Fireman's Fund. RSVP 843-810-0088.

Over 35 local restaurants and several beverage distributors are hosting a benefit at Charleston Grand Place Ballroom on July 8^th, with auctions and entertainment. The tickets are $150. You can go to mbakst@charlestonplace.com, or call 843-329-4918 or 843-810-5960.

The Coosaw Creek Country club has set up a fund and will also host a benefit golf tournament on August 4^th. It's $100 per person and you can get complete details by contacting the clubhouse at www.coosawcreekcommunity.net.

If you wish to make a donation there are many businesses around town offering that opportunity, including local restaurants, College of Charleston, Harbor National Bank, Air Force Base, First Federal, Trident United Way, Piggly Wiggly, Southcoast Community Bank, and more. The most direct way to donate is to the Fireman's Fund; City of Charleston Fire Department, Attn: Firefighter Condolences, 262 Meeting St., Charleston, SC, 29401.

Thanks to all who donate and take a moment to say a prayer. God bless those who died and their survivors, along with all the firefighters and others who work every day at making our lives safer.