The Ultimate Sacrifice

When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.
And if, according to my fate,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting
My children and my wife.

- Author Unknown


The Charleston Nine

• Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson
  • Age: 48
  • Years with department: 30
• Capt. Mike Benke
  • Age: 49
  • Years with department: 29 years
• Capt. Louis Mulkey
  • Age: 34
  • Years with department: 11 1/2 years
• Engineer Mark Kelsey
  • Age: 40
  • Years with department: 12 1/2 years
• Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, Nine years
  • Age: 37
  • Years with department: 9
• Assistant Engineer Michael French
  • Age: 27
  • Years with department: 1 1/2 years
• Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton
  • Age: 56
  • Years with department: 32 years
• Firefighter Brandon Thompson
  • Age: 27
  • Years with department: Four years
• Firefighter Melven Champaign
  • Age: 46
  • Years with department: Two years