Law school community mourns for families of Charleston firefighters

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 19, 2007 - - The Charleston School of Law community today mourned nine city firefighters who lost their lives Monday night in a fire at a West Ashley store.

One of the firefighters, Capt. Louis Mulkey, was the husband of student Lauren Bennett Mulkey. Capt. Mulkey, 34, had been with the department for 11.5 years.

"These devastating losses are a very personal tragedy to us at the law school and throughout the community," Dean Richard Gershon said today. "We're shocked and in mourning for what has happened. Our whole community is praying for the family of Capt. Mulkey and families of the other victims."

Hunter Reid, president of the Student Bar Association, added, "Louis was great supporter of our school. He volunteered with many of our community service projects, and was present for almost every school function. In that same mold and ideal, Louis served honorably with the City's Fire Department and made the sacrifices that very few of us are willing to make- serving others first."

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