Charleston 9 Remembered on 5th Anniversary

Five years ago today nine Charleston Firefighters died trying to put out a blaze at Sofa Super Store at 1807 Savannah Hwy. on June 18, 2007.

Monday hundreds of people attended the 5th Annual Charleston 9 Memorial Ceremony at the park that now stands on the site of the fire.

Those killed in the fire were James "Earl" Drayton, a 32-year veteran of the Department and member of Engine 19; Engineer Rodney "Brad" Baity, a 9-year veteran and another member of Engine 19; Cpt. Louis Mulkey, a 12-year veteran and member of Engine 15; Brandon Thompson, a 4-year veteran and member of Engine 10 detailed to Ladder 5; Engineer Mark Kelsey, a 13-year veteran and member of Engine 10 detailed to Ladder 5; Cpt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, a 30-year veteran and member of Engine 19; Melvin Champaign, a 2-year veteran and member of Engine 16; Assistant Engineer Michael French, a first year fire fighter and member of Engine 16 and detailed to Ladder 5; and Cpt. Michael "Mike" Benke, a 28-year veteran and member of Engine 16.