Donations to West Webster FD top $500,000
By: Tina Shively
Updated: February 18, 2013
Rochesterians are once again proving their generousity following the shooting and fire in West Webster.
Immediately after the tragedy, you opened your wallets and donated money in honor of the fallen firefighters.
There were dozens of fundraisers and boot drives. Nickles, dimes, whatever people had, they donated.
But, where did that money go?
Our Tina Shively talked with the President of the West Webster Fire Association to find out.
Neighbors began showing support just hours after two West Webster firefighters were killed on Christmas Eve 2012.
Memorials grew at the Gravel Road firehouse to honor the families of the fallen, and the brothers they left behind.
It continues nearly two months later.
Area students sent personalized valentines to the West Webster Fire Department.
It's a touching tribute, says Volunteer Fireman's Association President Ken Smith.
They're a small part of a larger show of support, that includes a significant sum of money.
Tina Shively asked "Almost two months have passed since the tragedy. How much money are we talking about at this point?"
Smith added "To date we've raised over $500,000."
Smith estimates more than 60 fundraisers have been held at bars, and even hair salons.
By fellow firefighters and everyday people just having lunch.
Smith says the checks written to the families of the fallen and injured go directly to them.
Everything else now sits in a bank account, set up the day after Christmas.
The part that's most impressive to the fire department is that every single fundraiser was arranged by local businesses. West Webster firefighters never asked the public for a single dime.
Smith says the only request for money the department ever made was in late December.
Fire officials reached out to fire departments statewide asking if they could hold a boot drive to help the families of Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka.
After that, the community truly took over.
"And it keeps coming," added Smith. "The first few days we expected it but now it keeps coming and coming and we still get emails, probably ten a week looking for our support for fundraisers."
The department receives 4 or 5 checks a week, some for fundraisers they weren't even aware of.
Smith says they will always be grateful.
"I didn't realize how much the community cared about us and wanted to help us. It's just phenomenal. Can't thank people enough."
Smith says the department has formed a committee that will soon sit down and properly divide up the funds.
The majority of the money was donated to the families of the fallen and the injured.
The rest, the money donated to the fire department, will help set up a permanent memorial at the firehouse, and a scholarship fund in Firefighter Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka's names.
Immediately after the tragedy, you opened your wallets and donated money in honor of the fallen firefighters.
There were dozens of fundraisers and boot drives. Nickles, dimes, whatever people had, they donated.
But, where did that money go?
Our Tina Shively talked with the President of the West Webster Fire Association to find out.
Neighbors began showing support just hours after two West Webster firefighters were killed on Christmas Eve 2012.
Memorials grew at the Gravel Road firehouse to honor the families of the fallen, and the brothers they left behind.
It continues nearly two months later.
Area students sent personalized valentines to the West Webster Fire Department.
It's a touching tribute, says Volunteer Fireman's Association President Ken Smith.
They're a small part of a larger show of support, that includes a significant sum of money.
Tina Shively asked "Almost two months have passed since the tragedy. How much money are we talking about at this point?"
Smith added "To date we've raised over $500,000."
Smith estimates more than 60 fundraisers have been held at bars, and even hair salons.
By fellow firefighters and everyday people just having lunch.
Smith says the checks written to the families of the fallen and injured go directly to them.
Everything else now sits in a bank account, set up the day after Christmas.
The part that's most impressive to the fire department is that every single fundraiser was arranged by local businesses. West Webster firefighters never asked the public for a single dime.
Smith says the only request for money the department ever made was in late December.
Fire officials reached out to fire departments statewide asking if they could hold a boot drive to help the families of Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka.
After that, the community truly took over.
"And it keeps coming," added Smith. "The first few days we expected it but now it keeps coming and coming and we still get emails, probably ten a week looking for our support for fundraisers."
The department receives 4 or 5 checks a week, some for fundraisers they weren't even aware of.
Smith says they will always be grateful.
"I didn't realize how much the community cared about us and wanted to help us. It's just phenomenal. Can't thank people enough."
Smith says the department has formed a committee that will soon sit down and properly divide up the funds.
The majority of the money was donated to the families of the fallen and the injured.
The rest, the money donated to the fire department, will help set up a permanent memorial at the firehouse, and a scholarship fund in Firefighter Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka's names.
