WWFD: West Webster Fire Department LODD 12/24/12

THE WEBSTER FALLEN

 by Steven Olivo.

‘Twas the day before Christmas, around 5:58,
When two heroes appeared at the Heavenly gates
Their badges were crosses, their uniforms blue,
How they had got there, they hadn’t a clue.

“A moment ago we were fighting a fire,
To save a neighbor’s house, maybe something more dire
Is this some kind of dream? Or is it a ruse?
There are lives at stake here, there’s no time to lose!”

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But an old Roman officer, his voice rang out clear,
“I am Florian, patron to all of your calling,
I am sorry to say you are two of its fallen.

Like the Three Forty Three, like the Charleston Nine
And the Hackensack Six, you have died in the line
Of duty. You were racing to put out a blaze,
But someone who hated the world and its ways

Had decided he wanted to win some cheap fame
By setting a trap, killing whoever came.
Do not be too sad, for though you have died
Today you won your place here in Heaven most high.”

The heroes’ jaws dropped, they could scarce take it in
They had so many questions, where should they begin?
“Do not fear, fallen heroes,” said the saint with a bow
God will see to the care of your families now.

Though the world appears lost, His way is still true,
And it will not be long till this world is renewed.
Come now and behold Him who loved you the most .”
The heroes saluted and followed their host.

But they heard him call out as they entered the light,
“Be strong, true believers, and keep up the fight!”


A father of three, Mike's son Nick lost his two best friends that day. Two little girls with out a daddy. He also was the Lieutenant and Information specialist for the Webster Police Dept.
He won fireman of the year 2 weeks ago.

I hope that Nick will keep on going.
That he will be the man he dreamed of being before this night

Tomasz you can see the flame, courage, and goodness just by looking at him.
He worked through their explorer program and graduated just a year ago.
He also worked as a 911 dispatcher.
 He wanted to help people.
He was just 19 years old.
 Gone to soon.

Here is a link to a memorial to them to "The Firefighter Song" by Paul Cummings.

Four Firemen reported that fateful morning. Joseph Hofstetter and Ted Scardino survived and are still recovering at a local hospital. These two men showed extreme bravery and calmness under fire. They could have panicked, but they stayed calm and kept dispatch and first responders informed of their injuries and that of their fallen comrades and that of the homes that were still burning. Also an off duty Greece policman John Ritter was hit by shrapnel. In all 7 homes were lost but due to their bravery their was no more loss of life. The link below is the radio communications. It shows their extreme bravery but is also very hard to listen to so please listen at your own risk. Thank You and God Bless you brave men.
"Brother hang tight"

"We wish to thank the community, and the nation for the heartwarming response to Monday’s tragic incident. We deeply appreciate your compassion and support as we focus on recovering from our physical wounds. We are humbled and a bit overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes for us and our families. We are in good hands and want everyone to know that even though we are able to accept only close ...family visitors, we are so very grateful for your prayers. Like so many others, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, and with those who lost their homes. Please consider directing any acts of kindness toward others in the community who also need your compassion during this holiday season.” -Ted Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter

 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

I have always had a sense of pride being a Fireman's wife, however this Christmas Eve morning my heart felt like it was shattered to pieces. Who could do such an awful thing? I will not give him the fame he wanted, his name will not be mentioned here. This is for the hero's, of that morning and the ones who continue to put on their gear and answer the call. My arms ache to be so far away, I just want to hold their families in my arms and say "We are here for you, this brother and sisterhood let us mourn with you, you are not alone" I have been amazed at the wonderful stories that have come from this event. Food and rooms provided for the first responders who want to pay their respects. Stories of meals being paid by strangers, what an awesome thing. And though I am far away there is one thing I can do. Tie a red ribbon around a tree in memory of our fallen brothers. And though those driving through my neighborhood may not know what it means, it means something to me. And if they ask me I will tell them of the four brave men on Christmas Eve and the two who didn't come home.

I have been seeing the twitter hash tag #WWFD. West Webster Fire Department.
I also like to think of it as What Would Fireman Do?
They keep going, they answer the call, not knowing what they are walking into, but willing to walk there into someones hell to be the answer to the call to that person they are an Angel.
This goes for all first responders, police, fire, ems and dispatch.
They work as one for the greater good
And though it might scare the crap out of me these next few calls
I will not stop him,
for I know that is where he is needed.
And I will stand strong.
I am a Fireman's Wife.