Community Gathers To Remember Fallen Firefighters

SALISBURY, N.C.,None — Salisbury firefighters and city officials gathered Monday morning to mark the three-year anniversary of two firefighters' deaths.

The ceremony, which began at 8:30 a.m. at the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighters Memorial on South Main Street, paid tribute to firefighters Victor Isler and Justin Monroe, who were killed in the line of duty in 2008.

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"Firefighter Victor Isler and Firefighter Justin Monroe are truly heroes," said Mayor Susan Kluttz. "The enduring legacies of Victor Isler and Justin Monroe continue to live on each day through the countless lives that they so fearlessly saved."

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Isler and Monroe were killed in a March 7, 2008, fire at Salisbury Millwork. Part of the building collapsed around them while they fought the massive blaze.

"The events on the morning of March 7, 2008, have forever changed our lives. Firefighter Victor Isler and Firefighter Justin Monroe paid the ultimate sacrifice through their faithful service and loyalty," Chief Bob Parnell said.

Isler, 40, was a veteran firefighter who also worked as an EMT at ground zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Monroe, 19, worked as a junior firefighter, starting at the age of 14.

"He had such a sweet spirit, such a sweet smile. He was beautiful," Lisa Monroe said of her son.

Parnell said the tragedy has led to improvements in the department, like better radios and tactics when fighting large fires. The department now mandates that each firefighter carry a water-resistant radio, which will work for six hours beneath three feet of water. There is also a tracking device, which homes in on firefighters' air packs in dark, smoky conditions.

Parnell said their new firefighting tactics are now taught to fire departments statewide.

Previous Stories: March 9, 2009: One Year Later: Salisbury Remembers Fallen Firefighters August 7, 2008: Fire Chief Responds To Fines, Violations Arising From Deadly Mill Fire March 15, 2008: Salisbury Firefighter To Be Laid To Rest In New York March 14, 2008: ATF: Arson Ruled Out In Deadly Salisbury Blaze March 12, 2008: Fallen Salisbury Firefighter Remembered As Fire Investigation Continues March 11, 2008: Fire Investigators Looking At Inspection Records For Salisbury Building March 10, 2008: Coffins Of Fallen Firefighters Arrive At Funeral Home After Procession From Charlotte March 9, 2008: Salisbury Firefighters Gather To Remember Fallen Comrades

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