IAFF offers condolences

International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger today expressed condolences to fire fighters and family members in Charleston, South Carolina.

 “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the perils that fire fighters face every day. It is never easy when we lose one of our own, but numbers like this put the heaviest weight on 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,” President Schaitberger said.

 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,” President Schaitberger said.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 280,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 percent of the nation’s population.  More information is available at www.iaff.org.

Editor’s note: IAFF representatives are available in Charleston to provide more information and assist reporters.

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