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 On
Monday, March 4th, 2002 Harrisburg Fire & Rescue just finished putting
away the water rescue gear from a vehicle in the river
and sat down to lunch when communications put out a report of a house
fire at 10334 Harrisburg Road. Upon the arrival of the Fire Department
the house had heavy fire and smoke showing with people possibly
trapped. The interior crew went into the side door and got about five
feet into the doorway and decided to back out because the floor was
"spongy" feeling. When Captain Brad Christopher reached to Firefighter
Josh Earley to turn around and exit the building, they both fell into
the basement. Captain Brad Christopher was able to grab the threshold
of the door to pull himself out and help Captain James Greene and
Firefighter Johnny Kiser pull Firefighter Josh Earley out. A second
crew kept the flames off of Captain Brad Christopher, Captain James
Greene, and Firefighter Johnny Kiser as they pulled him from the
inferno.
 Firefighter Josh Earley was airlifted to
Carolinas Medical Center with burns that covered over 80% of his body. He
was evaluated in the emergency room and airlifted to the burn
center in Chapel Hill. Captain Brad Christopher was rushed to Carolinas
Medical Center by ambulance with burns on his ears, shoulders and arms. Other Firefighters were
 slightly burned during the rescue efforts, but
were treated and released. Captain Brad Christopher was released from
the hospital the next day. Firefighter Josh Earley remained in
critical condition until March 6th, 2002 when he succumbed to his
injuries and passed away at the age of 23. A procession of over 100 fire apparatus
escorted our fallen brother back home from Chapel Hill. Overpasses and
intersections were blocked from Chapel Hill to the funeral home in
Albemarle during the procession. Several emergency workers saluted on
overpasses along Interstate 85, citizens stopped working and school
students left classes to step outside as the procession passed by to pay
their respects. The procession stopped at Harrisburg's firehouse where
firefighters stood at attention and saluted. As the procession left
firefighters embraced and wept.
 The viewing was held at Hartsell Funeral
Home in Midland on March 8th, 2002. An estimated 3,000 people
waited in line for up to four hours to pay their respects to
Firefighter Josh B. Earley and his family. The funeral was held on
March 9th, 2002 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Midland. Hundreds of
people who were touched by Josh gathered to see him laid to rest. Many
of those at the funeral were emergency service workers from different
departments. The church was packed inside with standing room only and
some still had to stand outside and listen to the services. Charlotte
Fire Battalion Chief
 Mike
Wilson reflected on memories about Firefighter Josh B. Earley. Chief
Wilson said "Earley loved every aspect of being a fireman and performed
his duties well. He lived it and breathed it." As the services came to
an end emotions ran high as Chief Wilson officially relieved Josh from
his duties by saying "Firefighter Josh B. Earley, you are officially and
honorably relieved of duty. Well done, son. Take up and go home."
  The walk from the church to the cemetery was
a somber one. Earley's casket was placed on the back of Charlotte
Fire Department Engine 27 and followed by hundreds of uniformed
firefighters. The only sounds heard were the bagpipes playing. When
the Engine company came to a stop beside the burial site people gathered
around for a short graveside service, where Taps was played. Earley's
parents were presented with a folded American Flag. Overcome by
emotion, everyone cried as his mother placed her hands on the casket and
said "I love you Josh and I'll see you in heaven."
 Josh was born on January 18th, 1979, in
Mecklenburg County. He grew up in Midland, east of Charlotte. Josh
started as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16 with Flowes Store
Fire Department and Midland Fire & Rescue, before joining Harrisburg
Fire & Rescue as a part-time employee. Josh graduated from Central Cabarrus High School in 1997. He went on to
college and obtained his associates degree in fire science. Josh
was hired by the Charlotte Fire Department and graduated
from the fire academy in early 2001.
Josh B. Earley was one of the finest men you
would ever meet. He was truly a hero that paid the ultimate sacrifice
as a firefighter. His family at the firehouse will never forget him and
will carry his memory in their hearts forever.
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