19 firefighters remembered 1 year after death

ARIZONA — Bells rang Monday night in the capital of Arizona in remembrance of the 19 firefighters who died one year ago battling a wildfire just north of Phoenix, including Eric Marsh, who graduated from Appalachian State University.

Hundreds attended the service as they listened to stories about the crew’s bravery and sacrifice.

"There are still wives with husbands that will never come home. There are children that are missing their daddies," Fire Chief Don Devendorf said. "And some children that will never know their daddy."
 
Brendan McDonough is the lone survivor of the hot shot group.

"I miss them a lot,” McDonough said.

He was the lookout that day until the fire took a turn.

“I wake up and the first thought is I lost 19 brothers,” McDonough said.

He also believes he's been given a second chance at life -- a chance at being a father.

“I'm happy that I get to spend time with my daughter, you know?” he said.

There was also a private memorial for the families so they could grieve together.

WSOC