ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The deadly New Year’s Day crash outside the Kodak Center drew a large number of first responders who tried to save as many lives as possible.

On Tuesday, Rochester Police Chief David Smith said a few of the officers who helped at the scene have taken time off. These tragedies can take a toll on first responders’ mental health.

It was a chaotic and draining scene on West Ridge Road outside the Kodak Center. Less than an hour into the new year, people walking out of a concert walked into a tragedy that has made national news.

Three RPD officers who helped people at the scene are dealing with emotional issues, said Chief Smith on Tuesday.

First responders worked on the burning cars engulfed in flames for roughly an hour. Smith said his officers didn’t think twice to jump in and save lives. However, the crash has impacted them emotionally.

“Two of my officers that were at the scene, as well as the off-duty officer that rendered aid, are taking a little time off. They have obviously some emotional issues they need to deal with as well,” he said.

A night of fun turned tragic along West Ridge Road just before 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Justina Hughes, 28, and Josh Orr, 29, were out celebrating the new year seeing the band “moe.” at the Kodak Center before getting into an Uber.

Michael Avery, 35, from Syracuse slammed into the Uber — then it burst into flames, killing Hughes and Orr while the Uber driver survived. In a statement, their families said they take comfort in knowing that Hughes and Orr were best friends who spent their last moments together.

“We also take comfort in knowing that many other lives were saved because they became, albeit unaware, a shield for others.  And because of that, they will forever be heroes,” says a statement from Justina Hughes’ family.

“This is a very traumatic experience, not only for the people who experienced this but also first responders,” Mayor Malik Evans said.

Investigators say the initial crash, while tragically killing Hughes and Orr, is likely what saved the lives of countless others who were in the crosswalk in front of the theater. Police believe Avery targeted the crosswalk as he approached. 

“Remember, these folks were going to see a Grateful Dead tribute band and they were expecting to be able to ring in the New Year and have a good time,” Evans said. “But instead, we have individuals who are going to be burying family members and we have people who now have life-altering injuries because of the choices that this suspect made.”

Police say Avery had containers of gasoline in the Ford Expedition. They say he purchased them throughout Monroe and Ontario counties ahead of the crash.

Two of the paramedics who responded to the crash went to the hospital. That includes Julie Purick who is hospitalized on a ventilator from smoke inhalation. A statement from American Medical Response says her condition is improving but she remains hospitalized. Here is the full statement:

“Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic incident and their families. AMR Rochester responded to the incident with 17 team members and would like to acknowledge the effort of all EMS and law enforcement agencies who worked together in caring for those who were injured. We can confirm Julie Purick was one of the responding paramedics and is currently being treated for smoke inhalation. She remains intubated on a ventilator at the hospital and is improving. At this time, we do not know how long she will be out of work.”

A GoFundMe page has raised over $20,000 so far to help with Purick’s medical bills and monthly bills while she is in the hospital.

The family of Orr released the following statement:

“Josh was a beautiful, generous human, filled with love and positivity and an advocate for those struggling with mental health. Aside from his family, he loved his girlfriend and his dog Eddie. On New Year’s Eve Josh was doing his favorite thing in the world, attending a Grateful Dead tribute band when he was taken from us. Josh is a hero and saved countless lives from being taken away from our community. We are thankful for all of the first responders of Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement for doing everything they could to help our son and his dear friend.”

The family of Hughes released the following statement:

“Justina was our family’s beautiful free spirit and she was loved by all of us beyond measure. She had an old soul and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was a talented artist who loved nature, and took every opportunity to hike a new trail and find a new waterfall. And oh how she loved music. It was the passion that gave her the most joy. We take peace in knowing that Justina and her very best friend, Josh, spent their last moments together, enjoying their passion and friendship. We also take comfort in knowing that many other lives were saved because they became, albeit unaware, a shield for others. And because of that, they will forever be heroes. We ask that you take a moment to reflect on the young lives that were taken away from their families and friends.”