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Your e-mails: Remembering the Charleston firefighters

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(CNN) -- Thousands of mourners gathered Friday in North Charleston, South Carolina, to honor the nine firefighters who died in a furniture store blaze on June 18. This was the biggest single loss of firefighters since September 11, 2001.

CNN.com asked readers to share their tributes and memories of the fallen firefighters. Below is a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:

Ken Smillie of Goose Creek, South Carolina
Billy Hutchinson has been cutting my hair for over 12 years. There are many barbers in the shop where he worked but I really only preferred Billy because he was always so cheery and full of fun. We shared many things in common. He loved golf, he loved his children and spoke of good times on vacations at Myrtle Beach. He would always treat my son with the greatest care. Always had a joke to share or just kid around.

He knew how to cut hair so well. Although the barber shop is right outside of a Naval Facility, he knew how to cut hair so that it did not look like a military high and tight. I always looked forward to sitting in Billy's chair and share stories of fun and laughter. If Billy was not in that day, I would come back on a day that he was. I travel much but I would let my hair grow out of control just waiting to get back to his chair. I always tipped him more than typical and he always expressed the greatest appreciation. I will genuinely miss Billy. Take care of him and his little girls O'lord.

Pamela Lightsey of Evanston, Illinois
I knew firefighter Melvin Champaign during the early '80s. We were members of the same small Pentecostal church. "Champaign," as we called him, was a young soldier at Ft. Lewis, Washington. On the weekends, he stayed in our home. I got an opportunity to see his deep love for God and his affection for all humankind. He especially loved children! My daughter was the flower girl in his wedding to his first wife, Monica. Though "Champaign" was short in stature he never hesitated to come to someone's aid. He was a such a sensitive man! He made it his business to memorize scripture upon scripture ... and he lived it. "Champaign" is not fallen in my mind, he has overcome the fire and resides in Paradise. Absent in body, present in spirit ... forever.

Lisa Ankrom of Canton, Ohio
I knew quite a few of these guys. I worked at an engraving shop in Charleston and they came in frequently and bought awards for each other. What a GREAT LOSS Charleston is suffering at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with their friends and family left to Grieve and Mourn the loss of these GREAT MEN!!

Stephen Alsop of Indian Trail, North Carolina
I met Louis Mulkey when I lived on the corner of King St. and Cannon St. in Charleston, right beside station #6. I got to know all the guys on all shifts, but I really became close with him and the other guys on his shift. Capt. Joe (now Chief Joe) Brian, Travis (now a North Charleston police officer) and Louis! What a great guy! He used to call me "five star Steve" because I worked at a local hotel as a chef. I would cook for them at the firehouse on a regular basis, they became a family. On occasions I would even help them wash the fire truck.

I know the bond fireman share. My father is a retired Washington, DC Firefighter (ENG.31 Truck 4) and even though I wasn't a fireman, I loved them guys. They were family! Not only did I know Louis at work but I knew him outside of work. He and I would "hang" outside of work, I watched him when he coached football, the kids loved him! What a loss, he will truly be missed! I also want to give my condolences to station #8 where I met Mark Kelsey, my thoughts and prayers are with Capt. David and all the guys on his crew that I knew when I lived on Huger St.

LaVondilyn Watson of Charleston, South Carolina
Melvin Champaign, one of the firefighters who died in the fire on Monday, had a smile that lit up the world! He was known for his incredible warmth and energy. Melvin was dedicated to service -- constantly serving the city, the community, his friends and his family. That fire that engulfed him was nothing compared to the praise-filled fire that burned on the inside of him! He often said he was "on fire for Christ!" He will be missed dearly, but he died doing what he always did best: serving. I am proud to call him "family." May his memory, and that of his fellow firefighters, be forever emblazoned upon the hearts of this country.

Amanda Whitaker of North Charleston, South Carolina
Mike French was an amazing guy. He always said what was on his mind and never let anyone bring him down. Mike loved being a firefighter and although I am very sad that I lost not only a hero but a friend, he was doing what he loved and what he was trained to do. May he rest in peace!

James Alvarez of New Orleans, Louisiana
Let me start by saying that my heart goes out to all the families that lost a love one in this horrible event, but my heart is truly heavy with the lost of Louis. I met Louis at Hazmat School in Colorado in 2005. He was one the best people I have ever met! Real passionate about life and working with the kids at the school, but he was really excited about the woman in his life. He talked about her all the time. We were able to sit and have a serious talk about real life issues. I would like to say to the woman that I know as Louis' main thing: Louis love you so much that the way he talked about you made me fall in love you, because he felt loved by you and would give this life for you and that said a lot about who you are and what you are all about. So keep your head up and smile because after an ugly event like this we all need to see all the beautiful things God has created for all of us to enjoy. Much love to all.

Barbara Hanuscin of Jacksonville, Florida
My son Mike is Captain at Daniel Island station. I know many of the firefighters throughout Charleston because of my son's service to that area. It is a difficult time for all of them and I send my prayers. I am proud to be the mother of a firefighter and I wrote this as a tribute to them all. Please post it in their honor.

Nine Less and More

Nine less ordinary men to reach out and to feel,
Nine more men demonstrated extraordinary ideals.

Nine less family men with hearts filled with love,
Nine more eyes watching and guiding from above.

Nine less pair of firemen's boots filled in the ranks,
Nine more examples inspiring others for which we give thanks.

Nine less laughter and high jinks among friends and brothers,
Nine more memories of good times will be treasured by others.

Nine less whose loss we will always mourn,
Nine more heroes, to look up to, have been born.

In Memory of the Charleston S. C. Firefighters who lost their lives June 18, 2007

Traci P. of Bryan, Texas
I personally did not know any of the fallen firefighters, but I am a firefighter's wife. I wanted the wives to know that we are praying for them and their families. We are spending a lot of time in the chapel, praying for you. I've never taken it for granted that my husband will come home from his shift at the department, I know firefighting is a tough job, but so is being a firefighter's wife. May God bless each and every one of you. You are not alone ... be strong as you hear that last tone out ... be proud of your firefighter. Peace be with you always.

Mark Maggio of Severn, Maryland
I currently sit as chairman of the board of directors for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. In that capacity and as a trainer and mental health responder for the Foundation, I have interacted with many folks from the city of Charleston over the past several years. On behalf of everyone at ICISF, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and to the members of the Charleston Fire Dept. who have lost beloved co-workers, colleagues, and friends. This incident, we know, has changed the department and the city forever. However, with time and support, you can emerge from this tragedy stronger than ever. We at ICISF will be here to help in any way we can, whenever you need us and for however long that may be. In the meantime, know that you are being held close in thought and prayer.

Tracy Sheldon of Savannah, Georgia
I don't know these firefighters personally, but I want to say that since my husband is a firefighter and has been for almost 7 years I can honestly say this is a brotherhood. Thank you to the nine fallen firefighters that put their lives on the line so that others can live another day. For that my fellow firefighters I am eternally grateful. ... Heaven has just got a few more firefighters added to the heaven's station #7.

James McCarson of Newport News, Virginia
I am a volunteer firefighter for the City of Hampton and I know why they rushed in: someone needed help. It takes great courage to perform the duties we do. Safety is always JOB ONE. My thoughts and prayers are with my brothers and sisters of the Charleston Fire Department.

I believe that a special place is reserved in heaven for those who risk and lay down their lives for their fellow men. It is too soon to question their actions. The proper response is to comfort those who are grieving. Seeing my brothers and sisters with tears in their eyes moved me. God Bless my fellow firefighters in Charleston.

Sandy De Leon of Corpus Christi, Texas
As the wife and daughter-in-law of firefighters, my deepest and profound condolences to the families, brothers and sisters of our fallen firefighters in Charleston, SC. These brave men died doing what they loved and knew the dangers; though, this does not make your pain and grief any less. The firefighter brotherhood is strong and deep and travels many miles across this nation and your pain is felt and is heavy in our hearts. May God grant you the peace and comfort you need during this most difficult time. Our love and thoughts are with you...

Leonardo Ortiz of Lecheria, Venezuela
As a volunteer industrial firefighter working in Venezuela I send my most sincere respects to the fallen heroes and their families. I have received training in the U.S. and I know how much dedication there is among North American firefighters, our hearts are with you all at this moment of grief. God Bless them.

Jessica Mays of Lynchburg, Virginia
Though I didn't know the nine men that lost their lives personally, they were still my brothers. A firefighter and EMT myself, it breaks my heart whenever there is a line-of-duty death. It is in these moments of sadness that we realize that as much as society would like to picture firefighters as some form of superheroes, and as much as we ourselves would like to think of ourselves as indestructible, there are still things that happen that make us human. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and fellow firefighters in Charleston. May Saint Florian have mercy on the souls of our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice. And may God keep all of my brothers and sisters in the fire and EMS services safe from harm as you serve your communities.

Read more tributes


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Photographs of the nine firefighters sit near their caskets at Friday's memorial service in North Charleston, South Carolina.

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