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Looking For Federal Recognition Of W. Webster First Responders

West Webster Fire Department

Senator Chuck Schumer is renewing his call for a Presidential Medal of Freedom to be awarded to the first responders killed or injured in last Christmas Eve's ambush in West Webster.

The New York Democrat says that he met Tuesday with Kim and Nick Chiapperini, the widow and son of police lieutenant and West Websster firefighter Mike Chiapperini, who was killed in that attack. The family members were in Washington as part of National Police Week, where Chiapperini's name will be engraved in a memorial.

Schumer says that Chiapperini, Tomas Kaczowka, Joe Hofstetter and Ted Scardino sacrificed their safety to protect others and the senator has again urged the White House to award the medal of freedom. Kaczowka was also killed in the attack, and Hofstetter and Scardino were injured.

On Tuesday night, Greece Police officer Jon Ritter, along with Hofstetter and Scardino were among the first responders to be recognized by the county legislature for their heroism.