Webster, N.Y. – People are shocked and saddened by a deadly shooting in Webster Christmas Eve morning.
Four firefighters were shot as they rushed to the scene of a fire on Lake Road just before 6 a.m. Monday. Two did not make it away from that scene alive.
Two are still recovering at the hospital -- and have a long road ahead of them. An off-duty police officer that was hit by shrapnel as he drove past the scene. He has been treated and released from the hospital.
Mourners showed up at the West Webster Fire Hall Monday night to remember those killed in the line of duty and pray for those recovering.
“Tragedy isn't even the word for it,” said Barbara Hosenfeld, a long time Webster resident who went to the vigil to show her support.
“I don't how you couldn't come out tonight,” said Hosenfeld. “These guys are everybody's heroes. When that alarm sounds they all go. It could be you it could be me.”
Brothers huddled together grieving for their own, volunteer firefighter Mike Chiapperini and volunteer firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka, both killed in the line of duty.
“I just wanted to pay my respects,” said Nicole Schnorr, who graduated with Kaczowka. “I just wanted to pay my respects to him, and Mr. Chiapperini.”
One by one, people laid candles and paid their respects.
“Webster's a wonderful community,” said Hosenfeld. “They'll rally around this. They're strong people; they're a community that's there for everybody. They'll get through it. They'll get through it, it's so sad.”
“This is a time to be with your family,” said Mark Patrick, a Rochester resident who helped organized the vigil. “There are people without a home, and you know there are family members that are missing and there's family members that are hospitalized. How can it be Christmas?”
