Community reflects on the life of RPD Officer Tony Mazurkiewicz

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The community has been reflecting on the life and the service of fallen RPD officer Tony Mazurkiewicz and the rise in gun violence in Rochester.

Mazurkiewicz and RPD Officer Sino Seng, were shot during an ambush near Bauman Street on Thursday night. Officer Mazurkiewicz has died and Officer Seng is recovering from his injuries.

Remembering Officer Mazurkiewicz

The escalating violence has many in our community concerned, including the police union Locust Club and RPD tactical unit chaplain Donald Wollschlegger.

So far in 2022, there have been 44 homicides in the city of Rochester. This number already surpasses the homicide count from last year at this time. The last homicide was early Sunday morning.

The death of Rochester Police officer Tony Mazurkiewicz hit the community hard.

“It felt like I got punched in the stomach again,” RPD Tactical Chaplain Father Donald Wollschlegger said. “When they called me to tell me that Maz had been shot and he was in critical condition, I was working on Daryl’s memorial for September.”

Officer Tony Mazurkiewicz was killed Thursday while working on a murder case.

Officer Daryl Pierson was killed in 2014. Wollschlegger put on services for officer Pierson’s family and the community.

It’s been eight years since Pierson’s death and Wollschlegger said he didn’t think he would have to go through this again and gave advice to others in the department.

“We talk a lot about Tony,” Wollschlegger said. “Tony was one of the most genuine human beings you could ever meet. He was very intelligent and very kind-hearted. He was a gentle man. I always encourage the officers to talk about him and remember the good things.”

The alleged shooter is Kelvin Vickers. A public defender entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Vickers is from Brockton, Massachusetts. News10NBC Mayor Malik Evans if he knew why he was in Rochester.

“I don’t, I think that that will all be a part of the investigation,” Mayor Evans said. “So I don’t want to comment on it too much, but I will say that we are not going to tolerate people coming from out of state or in the state, trying to wreak havoc in our community.”

Wollschlegger is praying for a change in the city.

“Rochester was such a nice city at one time, and it’s just gotten so out of hand,” Wollschlegger said. “I just hope the community comes together with good thoughts and prayers and that we can all work towards a peaceful time of peace here.”

Wollschlegger said he is working on a joint memorial service for both Officer Pierson and Mazurkiewicz.

That will be held sometime in September. Once News10NBC gets more details on that service online and on air.

How to donate or send condolences to family of Officer Mazurkiewicz

The Rochester Police Foundation has set up a page to donate to the Rochester Police officers shot on Thursday and their families. All contributions are tax-deductible, and all proceeds raised will go toward supporting the wife and children of Officer Mazurkiewicz, and helping Officer Seng recover from his injuries.

• You can donate online here.
• You can send a donation by mail to: Rochester Police Foundation, 620 Park Avenue #143, Rochester, New York 14607

The Rochester Police Union Locust Club has also set up a donation page for the family of Officer Mazurkiewicz. They’re also accepting letters of condolences for the family.

• You can donate online here.
• You can send a donation by mail to: Rochester Police Locust Club, Inc. 1425 Lexington Avenue. Rochester, NY 14606

All branches of Canandaigua National Bank are also accepting donations for the family of Officer Mazurkiewicz. You can call or visit any bank branch.

Funeral services for Officer Mazurkiewicz

Officer Mazurkiewicz’s funeral will be held on Monday, August 1 at the Blue Cross Area. The service will start at noon and you’ll be able to watch it live on News10NBC and our website.

The calling hours for Mazurkiewicz are Sunday, July 31at Keenan Funeral Home in Egypt from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.