Father remembers son who loved being a firefighter

SALISBURY, N.C. -- A deadly blaze in Salisbury smoldered, one day after it killed two firefighters.

40-year-old Victor Isler and 19-year-old Justin Monroe both died.

On Saturday, local fire departments pitched in to take over the duties of the Salisbury Fire Department where both men worked.

Isler had been with the department for less than a year and had previously served as a member of the FDNY. Monroe had worked there part-time.

WCNC

Click here to view images from the scene

Monroe’s father, Eddie, arrived at the scene at Salisbury Millwork for the first time on Saturday morning.

“There was some hope for awhile, a lot of prayers, but he didn't make it,” Monroe said. “Everybody he touched loved him.  He was beautiful.”

Justin also volunteered at the Millers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. It cancelled the annual chicken and dumpling dinner that Justin organized.

“Being that the firefighter that Justin was, it's hard to go through,” said Assistant Chief Ted Rary.

Justin Monroe, 19, was one of two firefighters killed Friday. Click here for more photos of Justin.

Justin’s locker is empty, his belongings moved to a makeshift memorial in the firehouse lounge.

It’s the department's first death in 50 years, but firefighters say they must go on.

"I know Justin is up there now telling us you guys get on the trucks and go."

It could take weeks before investigators determine what caused the fire.