OM DENNE EPISODE
In the powerful first episode of our Firefighter After Action Review: Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire series, we sit down with Assistant Chief Joseph Roberts, Assistant Chief David Griffin, and Battalion Chief Thomas Axon. The chiefs share their personal journeys into the fire service and what drew them to serve in Charleston, offering a window into the department’s culture and operations before the tragedy—a department full of heart but stretched thin in staffing and resources.
Listeners will hear candid recollections of their relationships with the fallen firefighters and an unflinching look at the events of that day. From the moment they were notified to their roles on the fireground, the chiefs provide a detailed account of the chaos, challenges, and split-second decisions that defined the response. This conversation highlights not only the bravery of those lost but also the lasting impact that line-of-duty deaths have on a fire department and its community.
