ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Community Heroes Protection Act, which would designate crimes targeted towards first responders as hate crimes, was introduced Tuesday in Albany. Its sponsor, state Sen. Fred Akshar, says research shows between 2015 and 2016, there was a 68 percent spike in gun-related deaths among law enforcement.
"We will not tolerate attacks on those who protect us and keep us safe," said Akshar, R-Binghamton and a former Broome County undersheriff. "Our message, all of our message to first responders is this: We will not be silent while you are being selfless."
"I think there's a need to make some enhanced laws for protections of first responders. It's definitely needed," said Mike Mazzeo, Rochester Police Locust Club president. "I hate to see this legislation perhaps get bogged down over the politics of, should it be hate law or not."
Mazzeo was president of the police officers' union in 2014 when Daryl Pierson was shot by a suspect he was chasing down on Rochester's northeast side. Thomas Johnson is now serving life in prison.
The other high-profile line of duty deaths were those of Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, West Webster firefighters who were gunned down on Christmas Eve 2012. William Spengler shot two other first responders and took his own life, killing his sister before the Lake Road ambush.
Firefighters use West Webster as an example of what can happen when responding to a call, no matter how routine. There are many instances that don't get reported where fire personnel face threats that have nothing to do with putting out a fire.
"I believe that just because of the choice of profession and that we're choosing to go and help somebody, choosing to target us for violence is a hate crime," said Rochester Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Hartman. "Sometimes it's because of political agenda or it's just out of frustration but it can't be tolerated because if it is tolerated, the system's going to break down."
"An enhancement of a law I think is good, it also raises awareness to the dangers that all first responders face," Mazzeo said. "Along with that is the understanding that if they are hurt they're also protected with the right benefits that go with that, for them and their families."