Message from Charleston, SC Local 61 President Roger Yow

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Words cannot express our sincere gratitude for the quick response to our heartbreaking tragedy here in Charleston on June 18, 2007, when we lost nine of our Charleston Fire Department brothers.

The IAFF had a team on the ground very quickly, and immediately started to work with numerous agencies in the command center. This was a great relief to us so we could be with the families of our fallen brothers.

As our fallen heroes were recovered from the rubble of the fire that night, I wondered if I could handle the task that was before me. But I soon found that we were not alone. The IAFF, South Carolina Professional Fire Fighters Association and locals from across the United States and Canada wasted no time with an amazing show of support, love and compassion. We thank them all from the bottom of our hearts.

IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry Osborne has been such a great help and a good friend though this difficult time. We are lucky to have him represent us. We have a long, hard road of recovery ahead of us, but it is comforting to know that the IAFF staff, and our brothers and sisters across this great nation and Canada are beside us while we make the journey.

Donations and condolences have poured in since the day after the tragedy, and many letters and emails have gone unanswered by Local 61 due to the time-consuming task of taking care of our brothers’ families and working hard to make some good come of this tragedy. And we will. Thank you all and may god bless all of you.


Sincerely and Fraternally,

Roger L. Yow, Sr.
President, Charleston, SC Local 61
www.local61.com