Our Fallen Brothers

Capt. William “Billy” Hutchinson, 48;

Capt. Mike Benke, 49;

Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34;

Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40;

Engineer Bradford “Brad” Baity, 37;

Assistant Engineer Michael French, 27;

Firefighter James “Earl” Drayton, 56;

Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27;

Firefighter Melven Champaign, 46

God Bless Their Families.

Chief Thomas noted that these men together had over 100 years of service.

Charleston Mayor Riley advised that calls of sympathy and support were pouring in from all over the US. He also advised that a fund has been set up to assist with this loss. Those wishing to make donations may do so in two manners;

Go to any Bank of America branch and making a donation to

“City of Charleston Firemen’s Fund”.

Or, you can mail a donation to:

City of Charleston Firemen’s Fund

P. O. Box 304

Charleston, SC 29402

I will now give you a quick check up note I received from Charleston yesterday. I was taken off of the Predisone and my Prograf was reduced to 5mg instead of 6mg. They said my liver numbers look great and the liver is doing it’s job. My kidney numbers are no better, but no worst either. Right now I don’t have to back for another check up until October 2007, and they are changing my blood work to once a month. When I returned home yesterday I had in tow a gift for my lovely bride.

Why do I tell you this?

Because today is our 11th annervisty and I am the luckiest husband, father, man ever.

I Love You Claire, thanks for being my wife.