WHEC, the NBC affiliate in Rochester, has issued an apology after airing an episode of “Chicago Fire” that closely resembled the Christmas Eve shooting in neighboring Webster, N.Y.
The episode, which aired Wednesday evening, featured a scene that showed firefighters and ambulance workers being shot during the response to a 911 call. Derek Dalton, the station’s vice president and general manager, released a statement Thursday:
Last night, NBC, our network, ran an episode of Chicago Fire that many in our community felt was insensitive in light of the Christmas Eve tragedy.
AdvertisementWe understand and regret the timing of this episode. By no means did we, or NBC, intend any disrespect to the families or our community affected by the recent events in Webster.
All of us in the WHEC-TV family have a personal connection to our community and our firefighters. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and we will continue to cover this story with compassion and professionalism.