USFA: New York On-Duty Deaths

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official on-duty death of Firefighter Mike J. Chiapperini, 43, and Firefighter Tomasz Marian Kaczowka, 19, of the West Webster Fire District on December 24, 2012.

Firefighter Chiapperini and Firefighter Kaczowka were shot and killed at the scene of a house fire that had been intentionally set in order to draw the firefighters into an ambush. Two other firefighters were also shot at the scene and are recovering in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital. Investigation into the incident continues by local, state, and federal authorities.

Funeral Arrangements:
Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter and past Fire Chief Mike Chiapperini and Firefighter Tomasz Marian Kaczowka at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online and http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm