Charleston 9: The Ultimate Sacrifice

[@Chris-jv7im]

Ret. Chief Tom Carr came from one of the nation's best departments (MCFRS), and then transformed CFD into another amazing department. He passed away from Parkinsons less than a month before this video was uploaded, on 04/24/13. Ultimate respect and kudos for him and the Charleston 9

[@johnleck5589]

Go with Godspeed Tommy Tommy knew you when you were a volunteer and BCC in the early 70s. I Worked Bethesda fire, then Montgomery County then I went to a real fire department Washington DC DCFD

[@Dimeee29]

Rip uncle Melvin you're truly missed. 9 years and it still hurts love you! And rip to the rest of the fallen firefighters and to the families/ friends and all effected❤️

[@MrRsmithpr]

diamond wilson your uncle and I were Best friends in the military. I have some great pictures and stories. I looked for him for years only to find an article online about this tragedy. God bless you and I’ll always remember my friend.

[@cartconrad4426]

RIP brother

[@gsabella4]

RIP Hero.

[@Dimeee29]

@@MrRsmithpr omg I’m just seeing this now, such a small world. I am so sorry you had to find out that way. I hope all is well with you!!💓

[@Dimeee29]

@@MrRsmithpr God bless you as well!

[@danniedavenport2651]

Being a South Carolina firefighter this by far was the hardest funerals I've ever had to attend. It was hard to stand in formation and hold back tears as I watched our brothers being laid to rest.

[@Bernie0481USMC]

My USMC recruiter and best friend was on Ladder 5. It took 2 days for him to call me to tell me he was okay. I have never cried so hard in my life. Worked for St Andrews for 2.5 years and Goose Creek Rural. This incident actually caused me to quit work and added to an already overwhelmed and damaged paychi.

[@TomManning-cs4el]

I used to go to every funeral and realize that paid firefighter didn't come to part time or volunteer firefighter funeral so I stopped going to paid firefighter and union firefighter I could care less

[@BradTYTH]

Tonight, I decided to locate my friend only to find his memorial. I am deeply sadden by this discovery. Melvin thank you for being such a blessing in my life. You'll be forever missed. Tacoma UNITY TKD forever!!! Kiaaaaaaaaaah!

[@jonstefanik9400]

We can relate. We had the Worcester 6. December 3, 1999. R.I.P. to the heroic Charleston 9 and the Worcester 6.

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

As a firefighter for 30 years in South Carolina this was devastating to me. Attending the funeral hit me the hardest.

[@mcgirlletsgo7135]

I’m watching and learning as much as I can about firefighting in hopes I can one day call my self a firefighter.

[@davidwilliams5346]

its a amazing job.

[@ChristandNat-Massey]

I agree. I just graduated from Recruit School. Its an amazing job. Training is constant because situations can change.

[@damaribrackett1159]

@@ChristandNat-Massey congratulations I start mine in 2 days for a Virginia department your community thanks you and good luck with your probation period you’ll be great

[@ChristandNat-Massey]

@@damaribrackett1159 Congratulations. I’m rooting for you. I have no doubt that you’d be an amazing recruit.

[@MidwayShooter]

I have 30 years in the fire service. I recently was mandated to attend a lecture, a lecture from a firefighter that was on scene of that fire, that day. I sat in the back row like a senior guy, I have watched this video numerous times , talked to my boys ( both cops ) and today my wife ( a nurse ). It’s a struggle. God bless them.

[@richleeson2160]

wow, very moving documentary even in the uk, years on.... Stay safe

[@angelahall3243]

My father who worked at Cabin Fire Dept in Montgomery with Chef Carr when he was just a paramedic, sent me this video.... He said Chef Carr was a great man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cme4743]

Just found this video and was deeply moved. Thank you so much for your service. Kudos to the department and the city for honoring your fallen brothers by taking the steps necessary to prevent future loss. RIP to all of the brave men who completed their service on this fateful day and my deepest condolences to their loved ones.

[@stephaniekelley3055]

This is a great tribute to the amazing Charleston 9, the whole CFD and the families.

[@ronayotte3571]

"Change isn't easy, but it is necessary"... A hard truth, but a necessary one.

[@cynthiaaachtzehn3903]

we will never forget, 6/18/2007... rest in peace

[@nicholasmakepeace8748]

Me to

[@bullshipcharters]

brandon tied the halyard of number 10s flagpole to the hitch of my truck and forgot to tell me the next morning flagpole was bent about 10 degrees before he came running out and beat on the back of my truck and stopped me. i almost took that 40 foot flagpole home with me. got stories about all 9 of them. worked with every one of them except champaigne. met him though. very mellow sweet guy. didnt necessarily get along with all 9 of them but i loved all of them and would have took any one of their places.

[@james8156]

Chief though I never met you I can tell by your eyes and the inspirational words of your men you are a Hero !!! I have been a professional Firefighter for 18 years and my father was a Battalion Chief who I often use a guide in my life.

[@lauralamberti154]

Myy husband is a retired firefighter from a department in Charleston SC. He knew some people that had lost their jobs because of the fire. He wanted to go down and the firefighters that was fighting the fire.

[@james8156]

Explain what you mean?

[@lauralamberti154]

The day that the fire happened; my husband wanted to go and help with the fire. The fire was a four or three alarm and one of the responding depts. was the one that my husband was working for at that time but the chief at his dept. wasn't sending anyone for his house.

[@charleseggers]

Thank you for this video. I tip my hat to your department , and want to pray for all of you as tomorrow comes. God Bless.

[@freeamericausa1]

Excellent, Heart-warming video. I salute every Firefighter now serving unselfishly across this nation. Civilians will never quite understand WHY we do what we do. As times get more difficult in certain cities because of the economy. Somehow. Firefighters always manage to CARRY ON. God Bless All of You. The people will never understand.

[@Livinglife1110]

My GOD this never gets easier S.I.P Cousin Melvin.. I said three times that day I got to call Melvin when I saw the news I just knew he was in there. Also found out that Earl Drayton is family somehow S.I.P to all the other firefighters yall will not be forgotten ❤❤❤🚒🚒🚒

[@tyronesandoval2348]

God bless you. Thank you for your service

[@nikkeibrown6389]

thank every one of u for all your hard work of keeping of streets safe god bless u all and your family s

[@Tobirama_5.0]

my uncle Melvin champagne rip

[@MrRsmithpr]

Arc trooper ECHO he was my best friend in the military. We were so tight and had the best times together. I’ll never forget this man of God

[@joepayton5820]

I don't even know how I came about watching this video I was looking at watch ads but me and my son are firefighters my heart goes out to you

[@Southsidemafia350]

R.I.P of 9 and 343

[@shaniadrayton7364]

I miss my uncle earl so much I wish he was here

[@tuxitalk1World]

Shania Channel I am so sorry for your loss. Your uncle was a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless You.

[@nikkeibrown6389]

The ones who we lost will never be forgotten God bless the family's and u all my prayers are with u all

[@nikkeibrown6389]

Thank u for what u all do for Charleston SC

[@nikkeibrown6389]

I cryed today for all the ones who lost some one in this fire

[@SCFirefightersAssc]

Great tribute - thank you to everyone who made this happen

[@susanwahl6322]

It must be hard to have Parkinson’s. My heart just broke listening to him speaking. Even so, he still got his message across. I was sorry to hear that he had died.

[@melanielizama]

wow...I never knew about this. What is the street that runs river to river? Pride street? or Haight Street? Anyone know? 2:15

[@wallymarribitt6916]

WOW...watching this video needs to be part of orientation of every local official...who thinks fixing problems is unnessary...the day after the funeral they finally get it...sad

[@onefireguy]

Thank you.

[@Cutty77]

On the shoulders of the fallen, we learn, adapt and change. Pray for the families.

[@phillipcarter7514]

To the Charleston south Carolina 9 rip brothers your tour of duty is done we have it from here on out till we meet in heaven may the wind be at your back watch over your brothers and sisters who are still serving as firefighters as a retired firefighter in zebulon nc this still shakes me up avery day

[@xtremefireftr]

Phenominal video

[@judebug329]

Mayor Riley did the same thing in the 80s with the police department. He brought in a chief from outside. Great results. Positive change. RIP Charleston 9.

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

Have to do that bringing leadership from the outside is good because it brings new ideas to the department and help improve and growth. The hiring within you get the same ol same ol nothing changes and no improvements and no growth.

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

@@americanoutdoorsman_1133, I totally agree with u.

[@jshicke]

My son-in-law was about to go in to the building to assist the others to get out when the order to fall back was given, and then the roof collapsed. Had he gone forward, he too would have died as would have others. He lost friends in that fire, and he cried many times as we would drive past the memorial.

[@Bernie0481USMC]

Beasley?

[@ffjsb]

Nothing better than a tough SMART firefighter. Kudos to the CFD for having the balls to admit that they needed to change.

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

I read the report on this fire. Am I right in thinking that the guy running the department at the time didn't think they needed to change and that he would do the same again if a similar situation arose ?

[@NealB123]

They had to fire (aka, forced retirement) the old chief to initiate change. The chief at the time of the incident was a brick wall against change and one of the root causes of the disaster.

[@1SNOWMANNH]

May god bless you.

[@fruiz]

Rest In Peace Brothers

[@cartconrad4426]

I remember that time very well we had about in firehouse that next morning that same month are fd had bad fire there some very close call and it was my shift was working that day I was but we very lucky God bless those guys RIP cfd brothers

[@jenniferpesquera1783]

It's going to be 17 years since the super store fire killed 9 men in the fire. God bless those who saved others first. 🙏

[@bobd1805]

Well done.

[@nadiaantwan1394]

Excellent Job.

[@codeywoods1]

DR griffen came to my fire hall today and talked to us about the Charleston 9 fire

[@michaelswinehart2788]

Good video. It is truly a gift from God to now have available treatment for all the brothers after such a devastating incident that all suffer from it. When I started, it was " go on the call, do your job, and when the next alarm comes, you pull your boots up and go. Don't dwell on it. It's a part of the job. We knew it when we got in ". Well, we all know that it doesn't work that way. Firemen were never known for being an easy but to crack. In closing, it is great that CFD has moved forward, not in reverse. We all love each other. I mean, just look at us!!! Don't ya see the resemblance ????? Good luck brothers and God bless all you smoke eaters.

[@Bernie0481USMC]

Trained to become a Charleston firefighter in 2001. Quit as soon as I joined. Had 10 years as a volley in NJ and anyone with knowledge of firefighting could see this coming. In 2001, they still used booster lines as the main knockdown, the first line in. 90% of the fleet and equipment was 15 years outdated. And the arrogance and narcissism was rampant. Worked for another local dept. This was a horrible day that SHOULD have been prevented sooner.

[@shindrithargriethrat8408]

Sounds like SC Fire isn't much different from South Carolina LE in some respects.

[@Bernie0481USMC]

It was bad in 2000. I moved down from NJ, where I had been a volunteer firefighter. In 1996, most volunteer depts started buying new apparatus that was enclosed and we started all using 5 inch for supply. New airpaks and updated training. Task Forces for LDH, Brush fires and other large incidents. SC did not do ANY of that. CFD was using 1970s apparatus and equipment and 1940s training. I failed out on purpose and went to SAFD. Not much better but better in a way. No mutual aid so CFD ran in their districts and through SAFD districts without calling us, even if we're closer. Super Sofa was a disaster waiting to happen and COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED had the good ole boy, southern arrogance not been present. This incident still hurts and def changed my mind on the service. These guys were ALL amazing men and did not deserve this.

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

@@Bernie0481USMC, well said! As said early in the video, he was saying a lot about the, "tradition", the tradition way of life. Everything goes by tradition. Which of course is wrong in this case. It’s okay to change.

[@wiretamer5710]

There is something very wrong with a culture that remains defiantly conservative, after being forced to implement LONG overdue change. The issues brought to a head by the death of these nine fire fighters were not new in 2007, they were new in 1967. The underlying regulatory issues were a major problem in 1867: Failure to comply with relevant building regulations for a large building open to the public. Failure to comply with regulations surrounding known fire hazards in the context of an industrial storage facility. NO AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. THIS FIRE WAS NO ACCIDENT. it was a disaster waiting to happen. It was caused by a string of negligence and incompetence. Yet NO ONE faced jail time for not doing their job, or not making the right decisions. These fire fighters WILL have died in vain, if the people responsible are not held to account for their negligence. If people get away with manslaughter, THESE KIND OF FIRES WILL HAPPEN AGAIN because people know they can get away with it. Perhaps fire fighters who attend these future fires will survive because of their new training, but these fires SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING, because these buildings should all have automatic fire suppression systems, that have a valid inspection certificate.

[@flawedexistence]

That fire NEVER should have been Defensive. That was a tragic error. No blame to any Fire Service Officer. I work in a Prison where Tradition reigns even when it should not. It is a First Responder thing. We are all slow to move forward and adopt change. Bless all First Responders and may the Charleston 9 rest in peace knowing that they saved many lives in the future.

[@alwayssme]

rest in peace

[@catholicgreypilgrim]

Never forget

[@charlesdell2864]

I know these brave men died in that horrific fire, but how? were they inside and the roof collaspe. Either way thank you for your service. You have answered your last alarm, now RIP.

[@jonboogy]

It was a combination of running out of air and being overtaken by the fire. The building didn't have enough exits either

[@midknight_4571]

Gary Plastek Unfortunately there was also a lot of mistakes that turned fatal. breaking glass which ventilated the fire, over crowded radio, and like mentioned...the chiefs Parkinson's. look up the radio chatter from it.

[@fire1937]

MIdknight _ Chief Carr was hired after the sofa store fire. That's a very ignorant commit.

[@wallyfitzpatrick]

There will never be a reason 9 firefighters die in one scene.

[@mortalclown3812]

Riley defended the indefensible: those firefighters were killed because of pitfalls in leadership. It was horrific. Rest in peace to them all.

[@emergencymagicsteve]

to the five dislikers I am sorry. Kudos to Charleston for leading and realizing what needed to be done!

[@Julez0089]

These Guys are Heros!!

[@raylott1074]

Hey my prayers to CFD

[@donnadreyer2580]

A discarded cigarette on a pile of trash ended up killing nine FireFighters. I'm in Pennsylvania, I'm a Sister of a Retired VFF, I'm so Happy that my brother got out. My heartfelt condolences to the Fallen FireFighters in The Sofa Super Store.

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

Sadly the people leading the department at the time were partly responsible for this tradegy.

[@CarolinaEli843]

Captain Laval Green is actually my father. I was very surprised when I first saw this

[@zachthompson7849]

Seems like you got a good sad on your hands. I was in amazement listening to his interview

[@stevenkelly9731]

Went to that funeral at civic center I think it was.

[@cathywaller8469]

9.people......so sad

[@badbtch4947]

r.i.p

[@jamiewilliams3574]

So sad

[@JB91710]

Whether you know there are victims inside or not, the firefighting is exactly the same. Find what is burning, vent the fire room windows and put tank water on it. By then an entry team has been assembled, are fully dressed and the front door is open. The victims have been protected along with the entering firefighters. That's called responsible and effective firefighting.

[@Northeastbaseball]

Why isn't this playing for me??

[@DevonUnwin]

I have a charleston 9 5 year anniversary t shirt from charleston fire dept

[@patrick9440]

Bet my last dollar "chief" never opened a roof in her life, definitely not with an axe.

[@clocksurfer]

RFB-KTF

[@ItsLookinn]

🖤😩

[@TomManning-cs4el]

This was a terrible job of chiefs and the mayor and the firefighter in doing inspection

[@huntervick3004]

U know what's crazy I have a shirt to my dad was supposed to be in that fire his name is Ronnie singletary fire department Nick name was sing sing he was supposed to be in that fire for a man on vacation and he came back early my dad was lucky man

[@hbrettler8523]

(8 sec mrk) Really? Unreal. Yeah I said it.

[@tanksherman9875]

This department, and that fire house in particular, had a bad reputation for never backing out of fires. Old school tough guy smoke eater stuff. It’s what got these guys killed.

[@RTWGraphics]

Hopefully, it resulted in policy changes.

[@onefireguy]

Your agency is blocking it. ;)

[@Bacanalable]

The best homenage would be send to jail those who kill them with so low instruction level. A fire that size must not be combated with 2-1/2" hoses. Only master streams......and inside, they must be instructed beforehand to rip ceilings looking for fire extension.

[@Bernie0481USMC]

They didn't have ANY TICS nor training in commercial fires. Their first line of choice for deployment were booster lines and they trained hard and widely accepted the booster as their main line for all firefighting. They had another fire dpet, paid also, next door to this place and never called for Mitual Aod because there was no MA agreement back then. We never trained with CFD and would watch cars and buildings burn, while we sat on aprons, watching CFD respond from other stations, far off in the distance. No bull! This disaster was waiting to happen and Rusty and the Mayor allowed it to.

[@Bacanalable]

@@Bernie0481USMC Jail for those in charge!!!!. (if you move the cursor over your response, at right will appear three black dots, pinching on those, you will have the option of "Editing")

[@Bacanalable]

@@Bernie0481USMC was any legal suit???

[@Bernie0481USMC]

I do not recall?

[@Northeastbaseball]

This video takes for ever to load.

[@margief1798]

This dept, barely had certified firefighters!! No clue how to fight fires!!

[@Bernie0481USMC]

Her comment is correct though. Charleston FD was manned by arrogance and southern good ole boys prior to Super Sofa.

[@mrobvious1100]

rainbow! DEI

[@georgenickerson2695]

1

[@mrdayyumyum3712]

Americans need a thicker skin. I have read the NIOSH reports on Super Sofia Store, Southwest Supermarket and others. And even though at the time the country came together on 9/11 and said "Never Forget" most have especially on the left. And I am a vff

[@JB91710]

This is why you fight fires from the Outside In, Not the Inside Out! In this case, from the loading dock in. That includes opening ceilings along the way. With a 360, it should have been found. By the Time a Mayday is called, it is mostly Too Late! Thoughts of a Mayday have to start long before your first action. In other words, find the burning material from a safe place and extinguish it. Then, you move into the structure. Search and Rescue has to Follow extinguishment. Extinguishment and Cooling Has to lead your way to the victims. YOU are protected by your gear, victims are not. You start HORIZONTAL Ventilation AFTER the flames and the energy of the fire are knocked down, NOT before! If you have to vent to see, you vent the fire room Only and the water has to be ready to go. If you vent anywhere else, the fire will spread to that area because it acts as a new Pressure Release location and/or fresh air source. These deaths were caused because of Reacting instead of Thinking about How to approach fires in general. Your training has to focus on what Could happen in a given environment or situation not on how to squirt water or break windows.

[@ALee8456]

Cowardly

[@JB91710]

@Steven Kelley And yet, you can't tell me how. That's sad Steven.

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

Nothing cowardly at all. It's the way to get the best results for all concerned.

[@JB91710]

This is only one of the many reasons you extinguish all Visible Burning Material from the Safety of outside before going inside. It is also a good idea having people on the department that are construction experts. Fire departments should recruit them specifically. You Have to know the construction of the buildings you go into and their condition during a fire. Training should come from THINKING, not from reviewing disasters!

[@ALee8456]

That is the bravest act of cowardice I've ever heard.

[@andyoxleyonhistravels]

Alexander is not cowardice, its called common sense.

[@JB91710]

@@andyoxleyonhistravels He's an idiot who isn't worth the cells on the tips of your fingers. Believe it or not, he's a member of the FDNY. Of course, his inability to talk tactics leads you to believe that already.

[@Jack-oz4bf]

the IC if they even had one must have lost total control of his crews why would you even go in that building? you can see signs of a flashovers coming. i wrote a paper com[aring west coast to east coast firefighters and east coast firefighters are very dumb.

[@richardpelley8796]

I don't know who can ever say a firefighter that is the stupidest comment I've ever think about the Worcester fire department when they lost all those firefightersthey weren't dumb they were doing that damn job I just can't understand why somebody can call if I if you're dumb doesn't make any sense you won't think they're dumb when your house catches on fire

[@Dimeee29]

This comment is so disrespectful

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

I wrote a paper, what an ignorant idiot.

[@ernestoflores1057]

Never forget