Message from General President Schaitberger on South Carolina Tragedy

June 19, 2007 -- The IAFF expresses its deepest condolences to the members of the Charleston Fire Department and IAFF Local 61 and to the families of the fallen. Their tragic deaths are a stark reminder of the perils our members face every day.

It is never easy when we lose even one of our own, but numbers like this put the heaviest weight on all of our hearts. We will rise from this dark day stronger than ever, but we will never forget the sacrifice these nine fire officers and fire fighters made.

The IAFF continues to work with fire fighters and their families as they cope with this tremendous loss, offering counseling and support.

The IAFF has been on the ground at every multiple line-of-duty death in the last 30 years, and we will be there for our brothers and sisters in Charleston in this time of need.