Remembering heroes, five years later | News

SALISBURY - Today doesn't look at all like March 7, 2008.  Instead of a bright, sunny day, that day started with a cold rain that only seemed to get colder as the day wore on, and before the day was over the community was mourning the loss of two of its bravest.

Justin Monroe, 19, and Vic Isler, 40, died in the fire that consumed Salisbury Millworks.  Captain Rick Barkley was seriously injured, and other firefighters also faced the possibility of making the ultimate sacrifice on that day.

Isler and Monroe were remembered this morning at a special ceremony at the Firefighters Memorial on S. Main Street.

The service included the flag presentation by the Salisbury Fire Department Honor Guard, remarks by Chaplain Dan Peters, Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell, and Salisbury Mayor Paul Woodson.  As dictated by fire service tradition, two bells covered in black cloth rang out three sets of five chimes to signal the end of duty for the fallen firefighters. 

A wreath for Vic Isler was placed at the memorial by his wife and children, Mark Monroe, the brother of Justin Monroe, along with wife Krista, placed the wreath in Monroe's honor.

A large crowd of citizens, firefighters, family, and emergency services members turned out for the memorial.

The firefighters will also be remembered Saturday during a benefit skeet shoot and raffle at the Rowan County Wildlife Club. The proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Justin Monroe Scholarship Fund and the Rowan County Fallen Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

Registration will start at 7:30 a.m. and pre-registration is available by contacting skeetshootcompetition@yahoo.com or by calling 704-239-6744.

Participants will get 25 targets for $30 when signing up as an individual or sign up as a team of five and pay $125. Lunch is provided for all participants. Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams. Shooters must provide their own ammunition or buy ammunition for $6.50 for a 20-round box. Breakfast, lunch and baked goods will be available for purchase. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase before and during the event. Donations will be accepted.