Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "It's been a really tough year for my hometown," noted New York Governor Kathy Hochul as she presided over a lengthy ceremony at SUNY Buffalo State University honoring first responders and heroes who emerged during the Buffalo blizzard in December.
Hochul, who was joined by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, said the ceremony to honor the heroes and those who were lost in the storm comes at a time when the community's emotions are conflicted with exuberance and anticipation for the Buffalo Bills game. "The backdrop to all that excitement, and the energy, is also a call to all of us to not forget," Hochul said.
"This will go down in the history books," Hochul said as she rattled off eye-opening statistics about the generational storm, noting there was 37 continuous hours of blizzard conditions at the height of the blizzard.
Before heroes were briefly introduced for their actions during the storm, Hochul acknowledged there will be an 'after action' report completed on the storm and there will be things learned to improve upon in future storms. "There will be more storms," she said, adding, "In life, we can always do better in everything we do."
When asked by a reporter at what point she holds herself accountable for actions the state took during the blizzard, Hochul responded by saying, "Oh, we always do that ... could we do better?"
The audience for the ceremony was largely made up of first responders, many in uniform, and some of whom were asked to stand and be acknowledged for their work to rescue people stranded in the storm.
One by one, as the ceremony concluded, Buffalo Bills legend Steve Tasker called the names of community heroes who stepped-up to help save lives and help the community during the Christmas blizzard.
'Christmas Jay' was among the dozens who were acknowledged and received an award for their actions. Jay Withey is the mechanic who was stranded during the storm in a vehicle running low on fuel and broke into the Pine Hill School in Cheektowaga. Withey set up a makeshift shelter, providing food, water and a safe place for 24 fellow storm refugees. Withey became a national sensation after the storm when he detailed his actions with Tom Bauerle on WBEN, and subsequently dozens of national interviews focusing on his heroism.
"You did something extraordinary," Hochul said of the heroes and first responders gathered in the student union. "For that, I thank you."