Webster chief Pickering said west Webster FDA was called to scene at 5:35am, upon arrival, shots fired. 4 firefighters were shot, 2 fatally
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012
Via @jgermano1.
Lured into an evil trap, four firefighters were gunned down as they arrived to battle a raging blaze on Christmas Eve morning. Two are dead, including Mike Chippiarini, 43, a revered police lieutenant who was lifetime volunteer fireman.
Lt. Mike Chippiarini of Webster PD died while volunteering for West Webster FD. Chief Pickering breaks down as he reads the name.
— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012
The other deceased victim is 911 dispatcher Tomasz Kaczowka.
Injured are firefighters Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino, as well as responding police officer John Ritter, who was wounded by shrapnel.
William Spengler.
The shooter, who set the fire and lay in wait for the responders, then eventually shot himself dead, has been identified as William Spengler, 62, a man who did hard time for killing his grandmother with a hammer 30 years ago.
The chaotic scenario unfolded around 6 a.m. at 191 Lake Road in the town of Webster, in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.
Via @jgermano1.
The Democrat and Chronicle reported that firefighters were forced to let the blaze rage unchecked as police secured the scene. Flames spread to additional houses while SWAT teams evacuated some 33 homes in the neighborhood.
Via @maxrocphoto.
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Webster Fire Marshal Rob Boutillier told the newspaper:
I’m not aware of anything like this happening in Webster, obviously not a firefighter being fired upon.
One of the surviving victims drove himself to safety, reports CNN:
One firefighter escaped from the scene in his own vehicle about an hour after he was shot, then was transported to the hospital by an ambulance from another location, [Fire Marshal Rob] Boutillier said.
Injuries to one of the surviving firefighters sound devastating:
They tell me the bullet hit his back, shattered into several fragments and did serious damage. Concern now is making sure he can walk again.
— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012
Early reports said one firefighter shot, then two. Later in the morning authorities revealed the full gravity of the situation: four firefighters shot, two dead. At a series of press conferences, more details are coming to light — including that the shooter is dead and likely worked alone.
Local reporter Victoria Freile has been tweeting from the scene:
@adamengel we do not have one. Fire marshal said it was not clear where multiple shots came from when firefighters arrived at scene
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012
University of Rochester medical center is confirming 2 firefighters are being treated at strong in connection with lake road fire/shooting
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012
@slicknick52 @dandc not sure I’d call it a stand off, but shots were fired at firefighters. MCSO has control of scene. Ff not fighting fire
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012
Boutillier: there’s reports of other firefighters down. Cannot confirm, he said. Firefighters have pulled back, are letting fire burn
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012
Webster fire marshal Rob Boutillier said 1 firefighter was shot, injured upon responding to call for lake rd house fire before 6 am today
— Victoria Freile (@vfreile) December 24, 2012