By Staff
U.S. mourns loss of nine S.C. firefighters
"Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties. To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them."
Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley spoke those words during a Tuesday morning news conference following the death of nine firemen in a South Carolina blaze on Monday evening. Although the tragedy did not occur in our backyard, the people of Atmore, especially the firefighters, who have a known brotherhood, mourn the loss of those men and women who protect us in the ways these fallen firefighters did.
Those that perished did carry out the job they dedicated their lives to, which was to save lives in the event of a fire or other disaster. According to a story on Yahoo News, two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse. The story goes on to read that fellow firefighters, police officers and other rescue personnel saluted the bodies of those that perished later that night as they were carried from the warehouse.
Tragedies like this are no comparison to the events of 9/11, but hit home just as hard because of the service these men and women have dedicated themselves to. It takes a special person to run into a burning building, sacrificing their life to save a complete stranger. The same is to be said for a police officer that steps in the line of gunfire to save someone they have never met.
Having this type of bond with people from other states that you may or may not know or relate to is what makes America great. The common bond that each one of us has for the well-being of those that serve us, whether it is military service men and women or those that serve us in our communities is not always found in neighboring nations.
To those families that lost loved one, know that the one you lost died a hero's death, one that they knew could happen each time that bell rang. Remember that when children ask or loved ones are frustrated by the loss and don't completely understand why.
We know it hurts, whether we've been through something similar to your tragedy or not. You and your families will be in our prayers along with everyone in this great nation.
God bless.