Arthur Grant drove up to the site of the store fire where his father died with mist in his eyes and pride.

James Earl Drayton is one of nine firefighters who died in a fire at the Sofa Super Store Monday night.  Intense heat collapsed the roof, trapping Drayton inside.

“Being that he was a hero, and tried to save someone's life, and lost his life at the same time.  He just had come out of retirement.  He enjoyed fire fighting.

Grant says his father served more than 32 years in the fire department, that's more than anyone else who died. He spent most of that time downtown Charleston.

Drayton retired about a year ago, but quickly got out of retirement because he says his father loved serving and saving lives.

While he loved his job, he says Drayton told is children not to become a firemen because it's too dangerous.

Twelve years ago, Drayton suffered injuries in a fire when he fell through the floor of a two story building. Grant says those injuries didn't keep Drayton down for long. A few weeks later, he returned to the fire department.

Drayton is survived by his wife, and four children.