Greece, N.Y. – Hundreds of people gathered at the Mall at Greece Ridge Saturday morning, continuing to show their support for Webster following the Christmas Eve shooting that killed two West Webster firefighters and injured two others.
“It was the ultimate tragedy,” said Chief Todd Baxter of the Greece Police Department. “These were volunteers that got up on Christmas Eve and sacrificed their life for the community.”
For some it's taking one day at a time to heal, while the community is taking one step at a time to help.
“It's greatly appreciated by the West Webster Fire Department and all the first responders in the community,” said Phil Vanderlee, a firefighter with the West Webster Fire Department. “I think it's helping us get through this tragedy.”
A tragedy, that’s so close to home.
“We were on the scene of the fire Christmas Eve,” said Sea Breeze firefighter Robert Champion. “We just wanted to come out and support West Webster, do whatever we can to help them out a little bit, help the families out.”
Brotherhood is what brought hundreds of walkers to the Mall at Greece Ridge Saturday, including those in the armed forces.
“I've been absolutely astounded by how the community has come together,” said SFC John Belcher of the United States Army.
“The tragedy that we've been through, the hurt, the healing process we have to go through, in the end we're going to win and good will triumph over this evil act,” Baxter said.
Operation Patriot Foundation organized the walk. All the proceeds benefit the families affected by the Christmas Eve ambush.
