Our condolences to the Earley family and the Charlotte Fire Department and the Harrisburg Volunteer Fire Department of North Carolina. FireFighter Josh Earley, 23, a firefighter since the age of 16, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002. Josh was burned over 80% of his body at a structure fire on Monday, March 4, 2002.

     Josh had responded to a structure fire with the Harrisburg VFD in eastern Mecklenburg County. Another firefighter was burned pulling Josh from the basement he fell into when the floor collapsed as he advanced a line into the fire. Josh was airlifted to the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill where he succumbed to his burns 2 days later.

     A viewing will be held Friday, March 8, 2002 6:30PM at the Hartsell Funeral Home, 13575 Broadway Street, Midland, NC 28107. A memorial funeral with full honors will be held Saturday, March 9, 2002 2PM at the Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28212. The memorial will be followed by a private family burial. Our brother Josh is survived by his father Kenneth, mother Margaret, and a brother. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to:

Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund Idlebrook Road Midland, NC 28107

OR

Charlotte Fire Dept Fallen Firefighter Fund Charlotte FD Credit Union 2100 Commonwealth Avenue Charlotte, NC 28205