West Webster Memorial Grows
By: Tina Shively
Updated: January 3, 2013
A little more than a week after 4 West Webster firefighters were shot, the outpouring of support continues.
It extends to Fire station number one, where a memorial is set up to honor their memory.
Handwritten cards, photos, and dozens of floral arrangements, all meant to comfort members of the West Webster fire department.
The sentiments came from near and far, and now stand here in the firehouse just over a week after Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka were killed.
Al Sienkiewicz is the Public Information Officer for the West Webster Fire department. He said "There was time needed just to be with some of the younger members who never anticipated anything like this. And Tomasz being one of those younger members and "Chip" being their mentor through the explorer program, it really hit home."
This SUV is perhaps one of the most poignant parts of the memorial.
Nineteen-year-old Kaczowka parked it in this bay, hours before his death.
Sienkiewicz says he is impressed with the strength of the firefighters.
All continue to do their jobs protecting their community, while knowing the department will never be the same.
"Going out on the runs have helped bring things somewhat back to normal, but I don't think there's gonna be a Christmas ahead where this isn't gonna be on the minds of at least our membership here."
The community is invited to come down here to station one on Gravel Road to leave messages behind for the fallen firefighters families.
