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Wrap-up

If he could just make it through the first part of his speech, Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas said he would be fine.

Thomas, who nearly broke down during a press conference earlier this week, struggled a bit talking about the fire and the impact it had on the city. When he reached the part where he could talk about each of the nine men who worked for him, he lit up. The quiver left his voice and the sadness in the coliseum disappeared for a moment.

He became lively and animated telling personal, candid stories about each one of those men. He told the story about Captain William Hutchinson was called "Lightning." Not because he moved like lightning, he said, but because it would take a lightning strike to get him to move.

The entire audience roared with laughter throughout his stories. Their memories were the  brightest moment on a sad day.

Thomas challenged his firemen to make sure they do something to remember each of those nine firefighters every day from now on.

He received a standing ovation.

It's Over.

The families are waiting to get out of the door. A little girl  in a black dress is wearing a firefighter's hat on her head and laughing while sitting in the arms of a firefighter.

The ceremony is nearly over. Many mourners have left but the firefighters are still here. Standing at their seats. Some on the floor, some nearly touching the rafters.

Sniffling is still audible now that the music has quieted. It's been an emotional day. Sadness interupted by welcomed laughter at Chief Thomas' stories.

I hope to have a wrap up post in a little while. Thank you for reading.

Celebration of Brotherhood

Two of the screens are advertising the "Celebration of Brotherhood" at 6 p.m. at Joe Riley Stadium.

"Ask any local firefighter for directions," the screen says.

Salute

The nine caskets are being wheeled down the center aisle. All the firemen are either saluting or holding their hands over their hearts.

The family is following the caskets out of the arena.

America The Beautiful

Following the benediction, the honor guard files out of the coliseum. The bagpipes play America The Beautiful.

Amazing Grace

The bagpipes play Amazing Grace. Drums join in. If there was a dry eye here before, there isn't now.

The names

Everyone is standing and the lights are dimmed  as the names of all nine men are read.

They are preparing for the ringing of the bell ceremony, which is steeped in tradition. The bell symbolizes the men being called home.

A bugle plays taps. The bagpipe players are making their way through the center aisle.

Monsignor Joe Roth

The firefighters got a call that people were trapped inside.

"They had to do everything they humanly could, and that they did," Roth said. "They went beyond and gave everything they had."

We Will Remember Every Single Day

Chief Rusty Thomas:

"The citizens of Charleston lost nine great people," Thomas said. "These nine guys would want us to carry on the traditions of the Charleston Fire Department."

Thomas gave all of his men a challenge this morning at breakfast. "Each one of those companies. I want them to do something every single day they go to work that they will never forget these nine great heroes. Every single day."

The crowd rose and gave Thomas a standing ovation.

More stories

Chief Thomas:

On Brandon Thompson.  Brandon came from the Summerville Fire Department.

Every time he got a little nose dribble he wanted to call out sick. One day he showed up in the office with his dad. He had a cast on right leg and crutches.

Brandon was helping a friend cut a tree that landed on his leg. "I said we got a problem."

Brandon's dad said, "Yes sir ... He ain't got no money."

Chief: What do you want me to do? "We don't have a lot of one-legged firefighters."

He gave Brandon a job checking fire hydrants.

The night of the fire,  his father wouldn't leave the scene until Brandon came out. The chief allowed Brandon's brother to help carry him out of the furniture warehouse.