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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 251 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 251

 Honoring the firefighters and other public servants who responded to 
        the fire in Charleston, South Carolina on June 18, 2007.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 22, 2007

Mr. Graham (for himself, Mr. DeMint, Mr. Dodd, Mr. McCain, Mr. Kennedy, 
  Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Isakson, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. 
 Clinton, Mr. Biden, and Mr. Burr) submitted the following resolution; 
                   which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Honoring the firefighters and other public servants who responded to 
        the fire in Charleston, South Carolina on June 18, 2007.

Whereas at approximately 7:00 P.M. on June 18, 2007, a tragic fire started at 
        the Sofa Super Store in Charleston, South Carolina;
Whereas, despite the flames that engulfed the building, the brave men and women 
        of the Charleston Fire Department (Department) fulfilled their duty by 
        rushing inside as others fled for their lives;
Whereas the fire quickly grew out of control and trapped 2 store employees 
        inside;
Whereas the firefighters attempted to punch through the building walls in a 
        selfless effort to save the lives of these employees;
Whereas the roof of the building collapsed, trapping the firefighters inside;
Whereas Captain William ``Billy'' Hutchinson, a 30-year veteran of the 
        Department, lost his life in the fire;
Whereas Captain Mike Benke, a 20-year veteran of the Department, lost his life 
        in the fire;
Whereas Captain Louis Mulkey, an 11-year veteran of the Department, lost his 
        life in the fire;
Whereas Engineer Mark Kelsey, a 12-year veteran of the Department, lost his life 
        in the fire;
Whereas Engineer Bradford ``Brad'' Baity, a 9-year veteran of the Department, 
        lost his life in the fire;
Whereas Assistant Engineer Michael French, a 1\1/2\-year veteran of the 
        Department, lost his life in the fire;
Whereas Fire Fighter James ``Earl'' Drayton, a 32-year veteran of the 
        Department, lost his life in the fire;
Whereas Fire Fighter Brandon Thompson, a 4-year veteran of the Department, lost 
        his life in the fire;
Whereas Fire Fighter Melven Champaign, a 2-year veteran of the Department, lost 
        his life in the fire;
Whereas the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of these firefighters reflects 
        the spirit of South Carolina, as well as the spirit of our great Nation;
Whereas the United States has not experienced such a devastating loss of 
        firefighters since the horrific events on September 11, 2001; and
Whereas a grateful Nation mourns the loss of these heroes and vows that their 
        sacrifices were not made in vain: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) honors William ``Billy'' Hutchinson, Mike Benke, Louis 
        Mulkey, Mark Kelsey, Bradford ``Brad''Baity, Michael French, 
        James ``Earl'' Drayton, Brandon Thompson, and Melven Champaign, 
        who lost their lives in the course of their duty as 
        firefighters, and recognizes them for their bravery and 
        sacrifice;
            (2) extends its deepest sympathy to the families of these 9 
        brave heroes;
            (3) honors all the firefighters and other public servants 
        who contributed to battling the fire; and
            (4) pledges to continue to support and to work on behalf of 
        the firefighters who risk their lives each day to ensure the 
        safety of all Americans.
                                 <all>
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