Remembering The Fallen Firefighters
By: WROC-TV
Updated: December 24, 2012
The two firefighters who were killed in Monday's early morning shooting were highly respected by their colleagues, family and friends.
Lieutenant Mike Chiapperini was a volunteer firefighter with the West Webster Fire Department. In addition, he served with the Webster Police Department for over 20 years. Police Chief Gerald Pickering tried hard to keep his emotions in tact as he told the media about Chiapperini and his service to the community. Chiapperini was in charge of the fire department's Explorer program. It was that very program that drew Tomasz Kaczowka.
News 8 learned that Kaczowka was a 2011 graduate of Webster Thomas High School. He also served as a 911 dispatcher. Deputy Superintendent Carmen Gumina said Kaczowka was dearly beloved by family and friends and his former teachers.
Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino were the other firefighters injured. Hofstetter is a volunteer with the West Webster Fire Department, but works full-time for the Rochester Fire Department. Scardino works with the West Webster department as well. They both suffered critical injuries and remain at Strong Hospital.
Lieutenant Mike Chiapperini was a volunteer firefighter with the West Webster Fire Department. In addition, he served with the Webster Police Department for over 20 years. Police Chief Gerald Pickering tried hard to keep his emotions in tact as he told the media about Chiapperini and his service to the community. Chiapperini was in charge of the fire department's Explorer program. It was that very program that drew Tomasz Kaczowka.
News 8 learned that Kaczowka was a 2011 graduate of Webster Thomas High School. He also served as a 911 dispatcher. Deputy Superintendent Carmen Gumina said Kaczowka was dearly beloved by family and friends and his former teachers.
Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino were the other firefighters injured. Hofstetter is a volunteer with the West Webster Fire Department, but works full-time for the Rochester Fire Department. Scardino works with the West Webster department as well. They both suffered critical injuries and remain at Strong Hospital.
