Submitted by a Friend
Mark W. Kelsey, 40, was a 10 year career member of the Charleston City Fire Department as well as a 16 year member of the Ashley River Fire Department. Unselfishly, he gave his life in the line of duty June 18, 2007 at the Sofa Super Store fire.
Mark was born and raised in Washington, Indiana where he was a state champion wrestler in High School. He graduated and joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1985 to 1994.
Mark started his fire career as a volunteer at the Ashley River Fire Department in 1991 and worked his way through the ranks to the position of Captain and Certified Fire Investigator. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Mark joined the Charleston Fire Department in 1994 and worked his way to the rank of Engineer.
Mark was a motorcycle enthusiast. When he wasn’t working at the fire departments, he would be riding his custom chopper with the Wolf Pack, enjoying life on the open roads. The Wolf Pack gave Mark a nickname of ‘Trunk Monkey’ for some of the wild gestures he has done in his past which followed over to the fire department and the new pumper Ashley River F.D. received. It was dedicated to Captain Mark Kelsey with a Trunk Monkey painted on the front corners of the truck.
Mark was laid to rest in his home town of Washington, Indiana.
Mark you are sadly missed by your family, friends and the brothers and sisters of the Ashley River and Charleston Fire Departments.
Uncle mark,
– Krista WardYou are greatly missed by so many. Thank you for saving so many people in your time of firefighting. We love and miss you so much!
Mark holds a special place in my heart. He will and forever remain my special friend.
– Angela Ernandez