Thousands Honor Mike Chiapperini
By: Vanessa Herring
Updated: December 30, 2012
The ultimate respect was shown to a man who made the ultimate
sacrifice. Lieutenant Michael Chiapperini rode on a fire truck to
Webster Schroeder High School escorted by four members of his
department. Thousands of first responders saluted as his casket arrived
through a sea of American flags.
Lieutenant Chiapperini was honored by Firefighter Jamie Becker's reading of the Fireman's Prayer and the Policeman's Prayer, "if according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hands, my friends and my family."
Chiapperini, affectionately called, "Chip," by many was loved by the community. He embodied the definition of service and when it came time to say goodbye, those who are usually stoic broke down in tears, "so as my remarks come to a close," said Gerald Pickering, Chief of the Webster Police Department, "Lieutenant Michael Chiapperini, car 941, 10-7, your work is done here, rest in peace my friend, god bless the Chiapperini family, god bless Webster, god bless the United States of America."
Lieutenant Chiapperini guided students interested in exploring careers in fire fighting and law enforcement, like fallen fire fighter Tomasz Kaczowka, and he servied as a mentor to many, "I will do everything in my power to carry on where you left off, being there for future chiefs, fire fighters and explorers," said Webster Fire District Chief James Diesenroth during his eulogy, "and can only hope that someday to mean as much to others as you have meant to us."
After the service Lieutenant Chiapperini's family was presented colors and he was honored with a 21 gun salute.
Chiapperini was sent to his final resting place with the hymn, "Amazing Grace," and the ringing of the bell, signifying a job well done.
Lieutenant Chiapperini was honored by Firefighter Jamie Becker's reading of the Fireman's Prayer and the Policeman's Prayer, "if according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hands, my friends and my family."
Chiapperini, affectionately called, "Chip," by many was loved by the community. He embodied the definition of service and when it came time to say goodbye, those who are usually stoic broke down in tears, "so as my remarks come to a close," said Gerald Pickering, Chief of the Webster Police Department, "Lieutenant Michael Chiapperini, car 941, 10-7, your work is done here, rest in peace my friend, god bless the Chiapperini family, god bless Webster, god bless the United States of America."
Lieutenant Chiapperini guided students interested in exploring careers in fire fighting and law enforcement, like fallen fire fighter Tomasz Kaczowka, and he servied as a mentor to many, "I will do everything in my power to carry on where you left off, being there for future chiefs, fire fighters and explorers," said Webster Fire District Chief James Diesenroth during his eulogy, "and can only hope that someday to mean as much to others as you have meant to us."
After the service Lieutenant Chiapperini's family was presented colors and he was honored with a 21 gun salute.
Chiapperini was sent to his final resting place with the hymn, "Amazing Grace," and the ringing of the bell, signifying a job well done.
