Firefighter Ambush in New York: 'A Senseless act of Violence'

The gunman reportedly shot himself dead.

Firefighters were called to a house fire in Webster, N.Y. on Dec. 24, 2012, only to find a gunman. (ABC News)

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Officials near Rochester, NY are trying to determine why a suspect lured a police officer and firefighters to an ambush where the men were shot to death.

Ronald W. Nesbitt. the Webster, New York Supervisor, reports that, "A senseless violent act claimed the lives of two distinguished members of our community and sent two others to the hospital".

He says early Christmas Eve morning, four members of the West Webster Fire Department responded to a house fire on Lake Road.

"Upon arriving at the scene they were met with gunfire," Nesbitt said.

"Two firefighters were killed and two others taken to the hospital with serious gunshot wounds".

Police say the shooter is a man who served nearly 17 years in jail for killing his grandmother. 62-year old William Spengler reportedly set a house and car on fire this morning in upstate New York and then waited for emergency responders to arrive, at which time he allegedly began shooting at those who showed up, killing two firefighters.

Ronald W. Nesbitt said, "We mourn the deaths of Lt. Mike Chiapperini and fellow Webster volunteer firefighter Tomasz Kaczówka and pray for the swift recovery of firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofsetter.

"Our prayers go out to the families of all four men".

Source: webster.ny.us/Blog.aspx?IID=84#item

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