W.Va. Responders Remember Crew Lost in Explosion

Jan. 29--First responders, family members and politicians gathered at Independence High School Saturday to mark the five-year anniversary of the propane explosion at the Little General in Ghent.

The service was held to remember Fred Burroughs, 52; Craig Dorsey II, 24; Glenn Ray Bennett, 44; and Jeff Treadway, 21, who were killed in the explosion, and Donnie Caldwell, who was 74 when he passed away in 2010 from trauma received during the blast.

Although the ceremony was tearful, several who spoke noted that current first responders are safer today because of these men's sacrifice.

Raleigh County Chief of Chaplains Craig Dorsey, who lost his son in the tragedy, said, "These men will never be forgotten. Their deaths have brought a more urgent respect for explosive gases. Firefighters are aware of the danger and approach such calls with caution."

Older firefighters shared their memories of that day with new members, not only to pass along the memory, but to help protect them from harm, he said.

State Sen. Richard Browning thanked the families of those who died for instilling in them the values that made them want to serve the community and volunteer to save lives.

"We owe them our gratitude," he said.

Browning said that southern West Virginia is ravaged by floods, mining disasters, bad roads and tough weather, but without fail, first responders brave these conditions to keep us safe.

Travis Mallohan, an aide to Sen. Joe Manchin, read a statement on his behalf.

Then governor of West Virginia, Manchin came to Ghent when he heard about the tragedy to spend time with the grieving families.

The statement read, "A famous preacher once said, 'Tears shed for others are a sign of strength.' West Virginians are strong-willed people. We stand together when others stand apart. It is in this spirit we find our resolve and it is that spirit that keeps us united in times of great despair. By coming together for this service, we bear witness to the strength that remains in this community."

Congressman Nick Rahall, who gave the keynote address, told those gathered, "For those of us left here, tragedy has molded into triumph. We celebrate the lives of dedication and devotion of people we loved and held close and depended on mightily. All of us draw strength from their lives.

"Our state and nation have learned valuable lessons from the Ghent disaster that will save lives," he continued.

New protocols, warnings, training and procedures will keep future firefighters safer, he added.

A letter from Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, read by Raleigh County Chaplain Pat Taylor, added that "it is always encouraging to see the emotions and care that are demonstrated by the West Virginian community.

"By joining today, you each contribute to the continued healing process," Tomblin said.

Delegate Daniel Hall, D-Wyoming, read a statement from Sen. Jay Rockefeller.

Those in attendance also remembered the sacrifices made by those critically injured in the explosion: Donna Meadows, Patricia Mullens, Joyce Walker and Leta Farley.

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Copyright 2012 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.