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Gov. Scott Meets Hialeah Massacre First Responders

HIALEAH (CBSMiami) -- Florida Governor Rick Scott took time Wednesday morning to meet with the first responders who put their lives on the line during the Hialeah massacre.

Gov. Scott went to Hialeah City Hall and met with Hialeah Police Chief Sergio Velazquez and shook the hands of all the SWAT team members.

"I just want to thank you for what you did," said Governor Scott.

They were the first responders who made entry into the Hialeah apartment where Pedro Vargas was holding two people hostage at gunpoint.

Those SWAT team members shot and killed Vargas even as he was shooting at them and reloading his weapon. The governor spoke of the bravery of the SWAT team members and also the loss of life.

"Can't be easy. You put your lives at risk. If it wasn't for individuals like you, we wouldn't have the safety we have. People wouldn't want to come here as tourists, our families wouldn't want to live here. So I just want to tell you from the bottom of my heart, thank you. The fact that every day you show up you have no idea what's going to happen. We can't imagine and I hope nothing like this ever happens again," said Gov. Scott.

He went on to say that his heart goes out to those who died in the rampage.

Viewings and funerals for those victims are taking place Wednesday and Thursday. Click here for more details.

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