LODDS

Nine Charleston Firefighters Killed in Collapse Identified

June 19, 2007

During a press conference this afternoon, officials from the city of Charleston, S.C. identified the names of the firefighters killed in last night's blaze.

A memorial on the flagpole of station No. 16 on Ashley Hall Plantation Road in Charleston, S.C.

CHARLESTON, S.C.--During a press conference this afternoon, officials from the city of Charleston, S.C. identified the names of the firefighters killed in last night's blaze.

Charleston Chief Speaks of Tragedy

Here are their names, as heard by the Firehouse.com News staff. Years of service follow each name.

Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson
- Age: 48
- Years with department: 30
Capt. Mike Benke
- Age: 49
- Years with department: 29 years
Capt. Louis Mulkey
- Age: 34
- Years with department: 11 1/2 years
Engineer Mark Kelsey
- Age: 40
- Years with department: 12 1/2 years
Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, Nine years
- Age: 37
- Years with department: 9
Assistant Engineer Michael French
- Age: 27
- Years with department: 1 1/2 years
Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton
- Age: 56
- Years with department: 32 years
Firefighter Brandon Thompson
- Age: 27
- Years with department: Four years
Firefighter Melven Champaign
- Age: 46
- Years with department: Two years

A fund has been established for the fallen firefighters. Donations can be sent to: The City of Charleston Firemen's Fund, P.O. Box 304, Charleston, SC, 29402.