Colleagues:
Most of you are aware of the tragedy that occurred on December 24, 2012 to the members of the West Webster Fire District. As Second Assistant Chief of that organization, and initial incident commander of this incident, I’m sure you can understand the deep sense of loss that I feel. There is currently a movement underway to petition President Obama to award these brave men the Freedom Medal for the actions taken on that dark day. While most firefighters don’t feel the need to be thanked or rewarded for the services that we provide, I feel this would be an appropriate show of thanks and respect for Past Chief Mike Chiapperini, Firefighters Tomasz Koczowka, Joe Hofstetter, and Ted Scardino. All of these men were educated at MCC. The Freedom Medal represents that highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by our government. These men earned the right to be considered for this honor.
I would ask that the members of the MCC community consider signing this petition as a means to recognize my brave brother firefighters. Please take a few minutes to sign the petition at https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/award-medal-freedom-4-firefighters-who-were-ambushed-west-webster-new-york-christmas-eve-2012/nppN54ZN.
Thank you.
Vincent R. Pratt
ETS Printing Services
01/07/2013 |