Thousands Wait in Line to Honor Fallen Heroes

Lines of mourners as far as the eye could see. Firefighters, police officers and citizens poured into Webster Schroeder High School. All to honor firefighters Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka.

"When we heard Christmas Eve morning what happened up here and how much of a tragedy that was, our hearts fell to the floor, and we wanted to come up in the worst way and make sure that they knew that we didn't forget what they did for us and we will never forget what they did for their own community as well," said Asst. Chief William Madden of Oceanside Fire Department, in Nassau County.    

Members of the West Webster Fire Department, including Mike Chiapperini, went to Long Island to help during Hurricane Sandy.

"I was heartbroken. I was saddened and I was upset that we weren't closer to get there faster to help these men and women," said Madden.

First responders are taught to expect the unexpected but the Lake Road shooting is something most say they will never understand.

"Unbelievable. Unbelievable. These four guys going in there to try to help and something like this happens. It's just hard to take," said Firefighter Robert Wesolowski of Eggertsville, New York.

"It's pretty sad. These guys were doing their job doing exactly what they are trained to do, it's something that is hard to prepare for," said Former Fire Chief Leslie Eastwood of Cicero, New York.

The long lines of support didn't surprise the first responders. Many say they depend on the brotherhood in tough times.

"We are all one. We are all one together. When something like this happens, we try our best to show support for the families," said Wesolowski.

"We will always pay respects to any brother or sister who does that kind of job for their towns and their homes and their families," said Madden.