This Christmas Eve marks 13 years since the 12/24/2012 tragedy—when between the hours of 05:30-11:00 at 191 Lake Rd.—4 firefighters and 1 Webster police officer were shot in the line of duty. Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka and Past Chief Mike (Chip) Chipperini were both killed while responding to a call.

The Incident

Initially the caller reported an active vehicle fire and responders were enroute within 4 minutes of the call being dispatched. First responders included firefighter Joe Hofstetter who responded from home, West Webster Engine 125 enroute with a crew of 2, Past Chief Mike Chipperini (42, Engine Driver), and Firefighter Ted Scardino (Engine Officer). These gentlemen were followed by Tomasz Kaczowka (19) in one of the department’s EMS fly car. 

Shortly after arrival on scene of the fire, all 4 of the firefighters came under fire from 62-year-old William Spengler, Jr. who was armed with 3 weapons: a rifle, shotgun, and a revolver. Past Chief Mike Chipperini and Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka succumbed to their injuries while the other side firefighters and a Webster police officer were critically injured. Chipperini and Kaczowka were not the only people killed—it was later found that Spengler had murdered his sister. Spengler inevitably took his own life bringing an end to the chaotic spree. In total 7 houses caught fire (5 of which were lost) despite support units from Webster Fire District, Penfield Fire Department, Point Pleasant Fire Department, Seabreeze Fire Department, Laurelton Fire Department, among others.

Chipperini and Kaczowka’s History & Legacy

Past Chief Mike “Chip” Chipperini volunteered with West Webster for 25 years and worked as a Lieutenant with Webster Police Department. With West Webster, Mike rose through the ranks from lieutenant all the way to chief. Additionally, he served as an advisor for West Webster’s Explorer Post and as a mentor to fellow victim Tomasz Kaczowka, a fellow servant in the role of lieutenant within Webster Police Department. Chipperini is survived by his wife and 3 children.

Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka, youngest of 3 brothers, first generation Polish-American, joined West Webster’s Explorer Post at 14 years old, later joining the official department after he turned 18 and got his CFR (Certified First Responder). Kaczowka also served at the Rochester/Monroe County 911 Center.

Memorial Sites

A public memorial was officially placed on Lake Road on December 22, 2013. If anyone would like to visit the memorial where the shooting took place, it is located on Lake Road, west of its intersection with DeWitt, towards Irondequoit Bay. There is also a memorial at West Webster Station 1 which not only honors Chipperini and Kaczowka but others who have fallen on duty in the history of West Webster.

Student Info about West Wester Explorer Post 

The West Webster Explorer Post is an excellent starting program anyone who may want to or may be thinking about joining a fire department. Any adolescents 14-18 years of age are eligible to apply. Joining provides a very close and hands-on experience with the fire department which can jump start a future into the fire service as youth can earn CPR certification and a few others along the way. Along with the hands-on drills that can prepare youth for the fire service, they can be invited to ride along on calls with some limitations on what emergencies but overall provides an understanding of what one may encounter. If anyone is interested, stop by West Webster Station 1 at 1051 Gravel Road and get an application any time on Thursdays at 7pm.