West Webster Fire Department Coping With Loss
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: December 26, 2012
In the hours that have passed since Monday's tragedy that took the lives of two of West Webster's firefighters, the remembrances and candles have piled up and it means everything to the department that is now trying to heal.
The Flaherty family sings carols at the West Webster Fire Department each Christmas. But it had different meaning this year.
"We appreciate people who have to work on Christmas and protect us, especially this year it seemed like the greatest thing to be able to do," Molly Flaherty said.
Various departments across Monroe County are helping to give the West Webster firefighters a break; from Lakeshore to Hamlin.
"It is a brotherhood and it is nice to see the brothers and sisters are supporting us," West Webster Fire District Commissioner William Gross said.
Inside the West Webster fire station, a memorial has grown to honor rookie Tomasz Kaczowka and Mike Chiapperini, a father of three.
"Mike was firefighter of the year, we announced that two weeks ago, but that was for a reason, and Tomasz he was a kid but a leader in his own way: very energetic, very heartfelt, he put a lot of time into this," Gross said.
While there is loss, there is hope that these heroes shine a light through the darkness.
"I would like to think that we had those two as angels among us and now they are looking down on us," Gross said. "So when we are fighting a fire, I know that we are going to have two angels fighting it with us. "
The West Webster Fire Department plans to go back into service as soon as Christmas evening. They say going back to work might be the best medicine.
The Flaherty family sings carols at the West Webster Fire Department each Christmas. But it had different meaning this year.
"We appreciate people who have to work on Christmas and protect us, especially this year it seemed like the greatest thing to be able to do," Molly Flaherty said.
Various departments across Monroe County are helping to give the West Webster firefighters a break; from Lakeshore to Hamlin.
"It is a brotherhood and it is nice to see the brothers and sisters are supporting us," West Webster Fire District Commissioner William Gross said.
Inside the West Webster fire station, a memorial has grown to honor rookie Tomasz Kaczowka and Mike Chiapperini, a father of three.
"Mike was firefighter of the year, we announced that two weeks ago, but that was for a reason, and Tomasz he was a kid but a leader in his own way: very energetic, very heartfelt, he put a lot of time into this," Gross said.
While there is loss, there is hope that these heroes shine a light through the darkness.
"I would like to think that we had those two as angels among us and now they are looking down on us," Gross said. "So when we are fighting a fire, I know that we are going to have two angels fighting it with us. "
The West Webster Fire Department plans to go back into service as soon as Christmas evening. They say going back to work might be the best medicine.
