Firefighters turn out in force for Kaczowka’s services
Firefighters lined up to honor Tomasz Kaczowka and his family. YNN's Wendy Mills spoke with some of the firefighters who were there.
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Thousands of firefighters from across the state, as far north as Canada and as far south as Florida, stood together side-by-side in salute outside St. Stanislaus Church to honor Tomasz Kaczowka.
"It is certainly something you never would expect or want to see or hear happen and we are just glad we can support each other any way we can by a show of coming out up and being there for each other," said Paul Dougherty of the Pavilion Fire Department.
Most here haven't yet come to terms with what happened.
"Horrible, this is horrible, but you see how strong the brotherhood is with everyone showing up, so terrific, but very, very sad,” said Ned Brnson of the Brighton Fire District. “Too bad we have to get together for such a sad thing."
“It is a sad, sad situation. My prayers go out to the families and all the fire departments,” said Gina Dandrea of the Gates-Chili Fire Department. “I cannot even imagine what they are going through.”
It's those prayers and strength and show of unity that will help.
Steven Giverson of the Gates-Chili Fire Department said, "It is not going to change the way we do business. We try to prepare for everything, but this kind of thing you cannot prepare for, but it is going to be on my mind. I went out for Christmas Eve and filled in for West wWebster and my daughter was home and she was just like having thoughts of 'be careful and make it home safe' and I always told them we go in as crew together and we watch out for each other and we make it home and God willing, we will."