Staff report
N.C. Rep. Lorene Coates, D-Rowan, will present a joint resolution at 1 p.m. today to honor Victor Isler Sr. and Justin Monroe, the Salisbury firefighters who died in the Salisbury Millwork Co. fire March 7, 2008.
The resolution (H690) will note that Isler and Monroe responded with more than 100 firefighters to the woodworking plant that morning in what turned out to be a five-alarm fire lasting throughout the day.
Isler and Monroe lost their lives when fire enveloped a shipping area next to the plant’s offices.
Before joining the Salisbury Fire Department in 2007, Isler, 40, had been a member of the Deer Park Fire Department of New York and the New York City Fire Department.
Monroe, 19, had been a member of the Miller’s Ferry Volunteer Fire Department since the age of 14 and a volunteer with the Spencer Fire Department, besides his part-time position with the Salisbury Fire Department.
He is survived by his parents, Eddie and Lisa Monroe, and a brother, Mark.
“Whereas, Victor Anthony Isler and Justin Edward Monroe should be commended for their bravery and their actions in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Salisbury,” the resolution says, “Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
– “The General Assembly honors the memory of Victor Anthony Isler and Justin Edward Monroe and expresses the appreciation of this state and its citizens for the service they rendered.
– “The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the families of Victor Anthony Isler and Justin Edward Monroe.
– “The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the families of Victor Anthony Isler and Justin Edward Monroe and to the Salisbury Fire Department.”