FEMA Officials Attend Firefighter Memorial Service in Charleston 

Release Date: June 22, 2007
Release Number: HQ-07-131

FEMA Administrator David Paulison attended the memorial service today for the nine firefighters killed in the line of duty this week in Charleston, S.C.  He was accompanied by the incoming U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade.

Administrator Paulison released the following statement:

To paraphrase President Lincoln, "The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here… from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."

At the U.S. Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg Maryland, there is a Roll of Honor.  I have been there many times.  As a firefighter, a fire chief, head of the U.S. Fire Administration and as an American proud of the men and women who gave everything to protect their communities and thankful for their service.  I have lost firefighters under my command. I have seen the children of the fallen, their families and their comrades.  I have cried with them. I cry with them still.

Sadly, we now add to the Roll of Honor the names: Billy Hutchinson, Mike Benke, Louis Mulkey, Mark Kelsey, Brad Baity, Michael French, Earl Drayton, Brandon Thompson and Melvin Champaign.

These men had more than 125 years of service among them.  Each was dedicated to Charleston and to protecting all our families.  They paid the ultimate price for their dedication.  Our words seem almost inconsequential besides their actions. When President Lincoln spoke those moving words over 110 years ago, he was a speaking of a different kind of struggle, but the struggle of those we honor today and all of our nation's firefighters battle every day is no less worthy of our respect.

In their memory, we rededicate our efforts to supporting first responders across this nation and around the world.  Long ago, we considered firefighter fatalities part of the job.  Today, we know that training and equipment, when matched with the courage of individuals, can reduce risks and bring more of our boys and girls home each night.  I look forward to the day when we cease to lose our bravest and brightest in these tragedies and that someday Everyone Goes Home.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 22-Jun-2007 11:16:36