From IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger:

“You can’t find any good in the tragic deaths of the nine courageous men who died last year. The scope of the tragedy did raise awareness in Charleston and in fire departments across North America about the catastrophic consequences that can result when current fire safety, staffing, command and operational methods and practices are not followed.

“Reports written about the Sofa Super Store fire have been thorough and detailed. Mayor Joe Riley has been forthcoming about his commitment and intent to ensure that the recommendations of the Review Team are followed and changes outlined in the settlement with South Carolina OSHA are made. Our Local and this International union look forward to working in partnership with the mayor to make sure those changes are fully implemented as quickly as possible.

“If there is a positive that can come out of this terrible tragedy, it is this: The legacy of the Charleston Nine will be a safer, better equipped, better trained, properly staffed and fully updated fire department. I know this union is committed to that goal. The mayor is committed. The citizens, fire fighters in CFD and their families deserve nothing less.”