Horrible Loss in Charleston South Carolina

9 FF's lost their lives last night fighting a blaze at a Furniture store.
Our thought and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

Identities Released Of Nine Firefighters Killed In West Ashley Fire
From Live 5 News
The Charleston County coroner released the names of nine firefighters killed in a blaze at a furniture store on Savannah Highway in West Ashley. Charleston Coroner Rae Wooten released the names during a 2 p.m. Tuesday press conference. Below is each fireman's name, age, title and years with the fire department:William “Billy” Hutchinson: 48-years-old; Captain; 30 years of serviceMike Benke: 49-years-old; Captain; 29 years of serviceLouis Mulkey: 34-years-old; Captain; 11.5 years of serviceMark Kelsey: 40-years-old; Engineer; 12.5 years of serviceBradford “Brad” Baity: 37-years-old; Engineer; 9 years of serviceMichael French: 27-years-old; Asst. Engineer; 1.5 years of serviceJames “Earl” Drayton: 56-years-old; Fire Fighter; 32 years of serviceBrandon Thompson: 27-years-old; Fire Fighter; 4 years of serviceMelven Champaign: 46-years-old; Fire Fighter; 2 years of serviceAll firemen were employed by the City of Charleston Fire Department.Sofa Super Store owner Herb Goldstein says, “There are no words to express our sorrow. All of us at the Sofa Super Store are devastated and heartbroken by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of these heroic firefighters who lost their lives.”Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who held a special news conference at 7 a.m. Tuesday, says it's hard to understand the magnitude of the loss. “They lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens,” says Mayor Riley. “To lose anyone is a tragedy. To lose nine is just a tragedy of immense proportions.”Riley says the firefighters were "brave, heroic, courageous'' and died carrying out their duties. Officials say firefighters rushed into the burning sofa superstore Monday night around 7 p.m. Two employees were rescued. Officials say one was rescued quickly and firefighters broke a hole through a wall to. Riley says, “They were in the building to make sure no one else was in there.”But, during their swift actions to save lives, something went horribly wrong. As smoke and flames consumed the building, the same firefighters who rushed in didn’t come out.“They fight fire. They extinguish fire, and they lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens,” says Mayor Riley.As their bodies were recovered, dozens of weary rescue personnel saluted them in tribute. "Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the City of Charleston have perished," says Mayor Riley. “This is a tragic event for our community."Mayor Joe Riley says there is -- no -- indication of arson. State and federal officials are investigating.Governor Mark Sanford has ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff on state buildings. He released this statement, “I'd ask each and every South Carolinian to join me, Jenny and the boys in keeping these nine families in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult weeks and months ahead."