June 18, 2014 – Today marks the seventh anniversary of one of the darkest days in IAFF history. On June 18, 2007, nine Charleston, South Carolina, fire fighters -- including members of Charleston Local 61 -- died in the line of duty as they fought to extinguish the Charleston Sofa Super Store fire. The nine were Louis Mulkey, Mike Benke, Melven Champaign, William Hutchinson, Rodney "Brad" Baity, James Drayton, Mark Kelsey, Michael French and Brandon Thompson.

“It is with a heavy heart that we remember our fallen brothers,” says General President Harold Schaitberger. “But it is important that we never forget their sacrifice. We honor them each year at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial and each time we advocate for safe working conditions.” The Sofa Super Store had no sprinkler system. Flames weakened the structure, causing it to collapse and trapping the nine inside. Fire fighters on the outside were unable to reach their trapped brothers in time to save them.

The land that once housed the Sofa Super Store was purchased by the City of Charleston and is now a city park. Memorial plaques have been placed in remembrance of the nine fire fighters who lost their lives. Charleston fire fighters gather at the site every year to reflect.

Click here for the final incident report on the fire. It recommended increased training and updates to fire ground procedures and apparatus.