Friends & family remember fire victims

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - It's been 10 years since the Club Fire Tragedy took the lives of 100 people and injured more than 200 others.

Throughout the day, Southern New Englanders will pause to remember the lives lost in one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history.

Patricia Belanger's daughter was a waitress at the Station Nightclub and lost her life on her birthday.

"Today's her birthday, she died on her birthday," Patricia said.

• Complete Coverage: Club Fire Tragedy
• Photos: In Remembrance: Club Fire Victims
• Survivor's Reflection: 'Anger not productive'

Betty Florio lost her niece Rachel in the tragic fire, and drives by the site daily.

"I wrapped a rose around her cross, a red rose, this is for you Rachel, we still remember you, you're still in our thoughts and prayers. I drive by here every single day and everyday that I drive by, I look and I think of it," said Florio.

William Cartwright lost his son ten years ago when the fire broke out, he says the pain is constant.

" I have pain 24/7, when I come here all of my pain disappears," he said.

Jody King's brother was a bouncer at the Station Nightclub. He says Tracy died while trying to save others in the club on that fateful night.

King says he still remembers his brother as a loving father of three with a great sense of humor.

"I hopped out of bed and took off and spent the next seven or eight hours combing and looking for Tracy that night and then spent the next four or five days at the Crowne Plaza with the rest of the families," King said.

Dave Kane's 18-year-old son was the youngest victim. "It is tough for anybody. It is tough for all the families. We feel and have always felt that our son Nicky is with us in a very real sense and continues to be - just as we would not leave him, he would never leave us," Dave Kane said.

"I'm honored to do it, I know it's difficult for some people to come up here, but it's good for me to be here," said Edward Gonzalves - who's brother Mike perished in the fire.

On Sunday, mourners gathered for 100 seconds of silence. Members of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation unveiled plans and break grounds on the permanent memorial.

• Plans unveiled for Station memorial
• Victim's brother reflects

Eyewitness News has learned that the estimated 1.5 million dollar memorial will feature a 30 foot high entrance gate, an open air pavilion and winding paths leading through a dozen memorial gardens.

Congressman Jim Langevin plans to introduce legislation that would encourage the installation of sprinklers in commercial and large residential buildings. The bill calls for owners to deduct the cost of installation up to $500,000.