Nineteen years later, the watch continues for the Charleston 9

WMBF News reports that (WCSC) — Nineteen years after the Sofa Super Store fire claimed the lives of nine Charleston firefighters, community members and first responders are gathering Thursday to honor their sacrifice and ensure their legacy lives on.

The firefighters, now known as the Charleston 9, died on June 18, 2007, while searching for civilians inside the burning furniture store in West Ashley.

Their deaths marked the nation’s deadliest loss of firefighters in the line of duty since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To commemorate the day, members of the Charleston Fire Department began a 24-hour standing watch at midnight at Charleston 9 Memorial Park.

Department leaders say the tradition serves as a reminder that the Charleston 9 will never stand alone.

The firefighters who lost their lives were: Today, Charleston 9 Memorial Park stands on the site where the Sofa Super Store once burned.