Tougher penalties sought for those who kill first responders

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- There’s a renewed push for tougher penalties against people who kill first responders. The push is in response to the deadly shooting of firefighters in Webster.

Firefighters Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka were shot to death responding to a call on Christmas Eve. The new law is aimed to deter similar crimes.

If passed, those convicted of killing a first responder would be charged with first-degree murder. It’s a growing concern for the men and women who arrive first to an emergency.

“The Police will secure the scene and they’ll let us come in once they see that the scene is secure. So, for the most part, we’ve been relatively safe. This recent incident in North Webster has changed the whole scope of things,” said Rural Metro EMT LaShay Harris.

The automatic first-degree murder charge already exists for police officers shot in the line-of-duty.