Police Recognize Other Webster Heroes

"You can only imagine the chaos there between the fire, and you are hearing shots and personnel down and fire truck is crashed to the side of the road," said Sgt. Kevin Hall, Webster Police.

Webster Police Sgt. Kevin Hall was caught in the crossfire in the early morning hours of December 24.

His colleague, Officer Mark Reed, was already on scene and firing back at the shooter.

"The shooter never anticipated an immediate police response to this fire. The shooter felt he would have unchallenged opportunity to kill our firefighters," said Chief Gerald Pickering, Webster Police.

Hall went into the area carrying his ballistic shield.

He thought he could help rescue firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka, who he thought was injured.

"As soon as I put my hand on him I realized that wasn't going to happen that way," said Sgt. Kevin Hall, Webster Police.

Meanwhile Webster Officer Shaun Welch and Irondequoit Officer Doug Pollock set up a perimeter as bullets flew.

Webster Police say accused shooter William Spengler had three guns and more than 400 rounds of ammunition when he shot from a high vantage point.

The estimate that he fired off about 50 rounds.

Police say the heroic efforts of the other officers prevented more more rounds to fired.

"Everyone on the investigative team has conveyed to me that Officer Mark Reed's quick actions prevented further loss of life," said

"They probably would have lost a lot more firemen if we didn't have the advantage that Mark Reed gave us. We probably would have lost some of ours, so he saved a lot of lives," said Sgt. Hall.

From the first to last shots - only about 6 minutes passed.

Two firefighters were injured and another two killed, including Hall's colleague - Lt. Mike Chiapperini.

"Every morning it was, 'hey Kevy!' Now I walk by his office or locker and its tough," said Sgt. Hall.

Webster's police chief say he's thankful for his men and the countless others who were there.

"I just want to underscore the heroism of the officers that placed themselves into harm's way that day to protect other first responders," said Chief Pickering.

Chief Pickering said Officer Reed is a past Officer of the Year and will be nominated again.

Reed did not want to do an interview but released this statement:

"This is the profession I have chosen like many other police officers in Monroe County and the tens of thousands nationwide. Our job is dangerous and we do our best to protect the people in the jurisdictions we patrol. I thank God I was there that morning of December 24th, 2012 and that I had the tools to engage the suspect. Please continue to pray for all the families affected by this tragedy."

Police also released more information about the guns used in the shooting.

While a former neighbor of William Spengler's has been accused of buying two of the weapons used for him back in 2010.

They say the other gun found with him was stolen from a home in Ohio in the 1970's. They say they are unclear how it was stolen and how Spengler had it in his possession.

Authorities are also waiting on the official identification of the remains found in Spengler's home.

It's believed they are of his sister.

That is being handled by the medical examiner's office.