Tomasz Kaczowka – December 24, 2012 West Webster Fire Department (NY), 2-year veteran Tomasz Marian Kaczowka, at the age of 19, passed away in the line of duty with his mentor and close friend, Lt. Michael “Chip” Chiapperini on Dec. 24, 2012. Tomasz was born May 16, 1993 in Rochester, NY to Janina and Marian Kaczowka. He attended Webster Thomas High School, graduating in 2011. Left: Tomasz Kaczowka Below: Chief Michael Chiapperini
After high school, Tomasz committed his life to Civil Service through several avenues. Whether it was through working the overnight shift as an emergency dispatch operator for the City of Rochester, or waking up at all hours of the night to attend various emergencies, this selfless young man devoted every spare ounce of his effort and courage to help those who needed it, right to the end. Everyone’s “little brother” died doing what he loved. He is survived by his mother and father, Janina and Marian: along with his older twin brothers Dariusz and Greg; grandparents, Mieczyslaw and Stanislawa Lysik; aunts, Alicia (Wiadek) Wojtowicz and Teresa Lysick; uncle, Stefan (Jolanta) Lysik; and loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Rochester and Poland, and extended family at West Webster Fire Department.
Messages from a Fallen Officer by Lt. Dan Marcou To My Partner
To the Criminals
You did all that you could, I fell and you stood.
Now that I’m here and God’s plan is so clear
You know sadness was never my style.
To you there is but one thing to say.
Those were the cards that we drew, nothing else more to do,
You steal, rape and kill and abuse your free will
Except remember me, friend, with a smile.
Your time will come, when there’s Hell to pay.
To My Spouse
To All
Don’t think me gone, but away, though I wish I could stay,
I seem gone from you now, but I know that somehow
I’m not there, but our love did not end.
We will reunite in another place.
We had faith, we had love, sure as God is above
For “The good they die young,” is a song often sung,
I feel your love from here that you send.
But this verse is flawed on its face.
To My Children
You see the good don’t die young, but instead they live on,
I know for you it is hard to be alone in the yard
In memories, and many a heart.
In that place where we laughed and we played.
The good that you do does not die when you do.
My girl, my boy, know you still give me joy,
For the good, death’s not an end, but a start.
Live your life as I did, unafraid. To Officers Left Behind Each day you hit the street to cover your beat, Prepare for the dangers you face. Train hard, wear your vest - you’ll be put to the test. Each day with your family embrace.
About the author Lt. Dan Marcou retired as a highly decorated police lieutenant and SWAT Commander with 33 years of full-time law enforcement experience. He is a nationally recognized police trainer in many police disciplines and is a Master Trainer in the State of Wisconsin. He has authored three novels The Calling: The Making of a Veteran Cop, S.W.A.T. Blue Knights in Black Armor, and Nobody’s Heroes. Poem originally published on www.policeone.com. Spring 2013 • The PFIA Protector
11