BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― A young firefighter was killed in Baltimore in a raging fire as a granite wall collapsed. It happened 13 years ago, but he was solemnly remembered Wednesday night.

Suzanne Collins has more on the dedication to firefighter Eric Schaefer.

The fire at Clipper Mill is one few will forget. But the city remembers the huge catastrophe that resulted from it and dedicated efforts of one young firefighter who died that night.

Flames shot into the sky from the old warehouse and suddenly, a 430-foot granite roof collapsed.

Many city firefighters were hurt in the 10-alarm fire, some seriously. But one didn't make it out at all. Eric Schaefer, 25, gave his life in the line of duty on September 10, 1995.

Firefighters came in large numbers to see a plaque dedicated to Eric Schaefer at the renovated Clipper Mill site. The young man's parents unveiled it. His mother was touched by the words and the pictures that perfect strangers will see.

"Eric's legacy and his contribution and his life live on, not only in those of us who were here but those who carry on in the future," said Chief Joe Brocado.

Firefighter William Kern had a concussion and broke a leg the night of the Clipper Mill fire.

"The roof started caving overhead. A whole lot of us went up to get them out and the whole front wall collapsed on top of us," he said.

"One firefighter, Blackwell, he was extremely injured in that to this day, he [walks] with a cane, has health problems," said Captain Stephen Gibson.

Schaefer's family was given the helmet he wore the day he died.

"It's been 13 years and I'm still crying. That's all I can say," said Dorian Schaefer.

"It's been a hard day. Been a hard 13 years, except Eric was a good son. We love him and miss him and we appreciate everything everyone has done to make this happen," said Sue Ellen Schaefer.

It's interesting to note that this original granite was left standing so everyone would remember what happened to Eric Schaefer.

Schaefer had been married just a few months before the fire. His widow was also at the dedication.
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