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Senator Mike Nozzolio and Assemblyman Mark Johns honored Webster Police Lieutenant Michael “Chip” Chiapperini Wednesday at the annual Police Officers’ Memorial Remembrance Ceremony in Albany.  Lt. Michael Chiapperini was murdered as he responded to a fire call on Christmas Eve day, along with the West Webster Fire Department, of which he was a volunteer member.

Nozzolio and Johns were joined at today’s memorial ceremony by Lt. Chiapperini’s wife, Kim, his mother, Marcia, children, Nick, Kacie, Kylie and several other family members. Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering and members of the Webster Police Department also attended today’s memorial.

“Lt. Chiapperini risked his life and well-being every time he responded to a call for help and today we pay tribute to his selfless sacrifice.  Lt. Chiapperini is truly a hero and his actions undoubtedly saved the lives of countless others.  Each year at the September 11th ceremony in the Webster Village Park, I joined with Lt. Chiapperini to honor our emergency personnel from Webster - our brave firefighters and police officers, as the true heroes of our Nation.  On Christmas Eve day, we experienced an unspeakable tragedy. Today, we had the opportunity to honor Chip’s service and to mourn the loss of our brave and dedicated police officers from across our State,” said Nozzolio.

“Today’s ceremony was a reminder that people like Mike Chiapperini are true heroes,” said Johns.  “Chip and many of the members of the West Webster Fire Department and Webster Police Department are among some of my closest friends; and to be able to honor his lifetime of service to our community as a police officer and firefighter truly made today a special day.”

Nozzolio and Johns will honor West Webster volunteer firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka in October at the Fallen Firefighters Remembrance Ceremony in Albany.   Nozzolio and Johns have enacted special New York State Resolutions recognizing the service and sacrifices of Lt. Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, as well as wounded West Webster Volunteer Firefighters Ted Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter.

“Today, we honored a brave police officer and volunteer firefighter who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Lt. Chiapperini’s selfless dedication and commitment to the Webster community are an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten.   As State Senator, I will continue my aggressive efforts to assist those impacted by this tragedy and to honor the memory of our fallen police officers, firefighters and first responders,” said Nozzolio.

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