Michael J. Chiapperini was born April 1‚ 1969‚ and grew up in Webster‚ New York‚ with his loving parents‚ Marcia and John‚ and sister‚ Michelle. He dedicated his life to serving the Webster community‚ both as a volunteer firefighter for the West Webster Fire Department and as a police lieutenant with the Webster Police Department.

Mike had volunteered with the West Webster Fire Department for over 25 years and rose through the ranks of lieutenant‚ captain‚ second assistant chief‚ first assistant chief‚ and chief. At the time of his passing he was serving as the advisor for the Explorer Post‚ something he had done for many years and greatly enjoyed. It was through the Explorer program that Mike befriended and became a mentor to Tomasz Kaczowka‚ who also passed away on Christmas Eve during the same tragic incident. Mike was always quick to volunteer to go on emergency deployments to areas affected by weather-related devastation. Prior to his passing he had spent a week helping out at the Mastic Beach Fire Department after Hurricane Sandy. He said it had meant a lot to him to be able to go on that deployment with his son‚ Nick‚ who is also in the West Webster Fire Department.

Professionally‚ Mike served in the Webster Police Department for over 19 years. Within the department he also rose through the ranks of patrol officer‚ investigator‚ sergeant‚ and lieutenant. Mike served on many committees and was trained in many areas of emergency response. He was particularly interested in crash reconstruction‚ arson investigation‚ grant writing‚ and safety procedures. Mike loved to be involved in the community and helped instruct the citizen’s police academy‚ gave many talks at the schools‚ and volunteered at the Webster Fireman’s Carnival.

Mike leaves behind his wife‚ Kimberly‚ and three children‚ Nicholas (20)‚ Kacie (5)‚ and Kylie (3). He is also survived by his mother‚ Marcia; sister‚ Michelle (Dane) Ehrich; mother and father-in-law‚ Pete and Shari Munding; brothers-in-law‚ Michael and Ryan Munding; sister-in-law‚ Julie (Jeffrey) Dawson; and numerous cousins‚ nieces‚ nephews‚ and many friends.

Mike had a passion for life and keeping busy. In his free time he enjoyed boating‚ snowmobiling‚ hunting‚ road trips‚ vacations and lots of family time. Every weekend he planned something fun to do with his family. Mike was also a dog lover and cherished his two boxers‚ Jax and Carlie.

Courageous‚ determined‚ outgoing‚ humorous‚ and generous are qualities that describe Mike. He adored his family‚ would always help a friend in need‚ and was a true public servant. He is and will always be greatly loved and missed.