Fallen Charleston, S.C. Firefighters Mourned
CHARLESTON, S.C.-- More than 200 fire engines, ladders and other apparatus of every make, model and color draped in black bunting paraded through downtown.
"There were people everywhere, holding up signs thanking us. The whole city shut down for the day," Darren Terry, driver for the Hartsville, S.C. Fire Department. "They were waving flags. There was a giant flag hanging from an overpass. People waved."
Thousands of firefighters from around the world -- from the tiniest volunteer company to large metropolitan departments -- are here this morning to honor their fallen brothers.
Nine hearses lined the curb outside the coliseum.
Despite the number of personnel and citizens assembled, it was quiet. Conversations were conducted in low voices.
Nine flag draped coffins are positioned in front of the stage.
An orchestra performed as the crowd filed in to take their seats.
Brian McGeehan, with the Dublin Fire Brigade, said he was honored to be present. He said if there'd been more time, a contingent would have come to honor their American brothers, "But, it's just me."
McGeehan, a firefighter for 26 years, said the fire service is one huge family worldwide. "You walk into a station whether it's in Dublin or wherever, and tell them you're a firefighter and you are welcome."
He said there was little publicity about the deaths of the nine firefighters in Ireland. "I changed my vacation plans, and threw things in a bag. It's just sad we don't see a gathering like this unless it's for a sad reason."
McGeehan's wife is from South Carolina.
A third generation fireman from Darlington, S.C. said nothing would have kept him away. "I just can't believe it. How horrible to lose nine. It's bad enough to lose one," said Chief Jim Stone.
"It's devastating. I can't imagine how it would be to deal with it."
Two Vancouver firefighters said the trip to Charleston was the least they could do to honor their brothers.
Gord Ditchburn said they want the families to know their loved ones' lives were not lost in vain. "We need to stay together at a time like this.
Ditchburn said he was representing the Province as well as his fire department.
Tim Wilkinson, president of the Richmond Fire Fighters Association, said the fire family has no boundaries. "We're here to honor them."
