Our condolences to the Brace family, the Stefanakis family, and
the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau of Pennsylvania. Battalion Chief Charles
Brace, 55, and FireFighter Richard Stefanakis, 51, both 30 year
veterans of the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau died Saturday March 13,
2004. Both firefighters were dousing hot spots in the basement of
Ebenezer Baptist Church, a 131 year old 75x75 church, when the
roof and steeple of the church collapsed. They were trapped in
the basement during the collapse and 25-30 firefighters on the
ground were injured from the falling debris. Five other firefighters
were seriously injured during a flashover that occured prior to the
roof collapse.
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A funeral mass for both firefighters will be held Thursday March 18,
2004 12PM at Saint Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh.
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A viewing will be held for Charles on Tuesday March 16th and 17th,
2004 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Bienhauer Funeral Home in Pittsburgh.
Charles will be interred at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
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A viewing will be held for Richard on Tuesday March 16th and 17th,
2004 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Kanai Funeral Home in Pittsburgh.
Richard will be interred at Calvary Cemetery.
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A memorial fund has been established for the families and
donations can be made to:
