Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Fire Department continue to pay homage to fallen firefighter Jason Arno, who died nearly seven months ago in the line of duty while battling a blaze on Main Street in Buffalo's Theatre District.
Members of the Buffalo Fire Department's Engine Company 2 firehouse were joined on Thursday by Mayor Byron Brown, Fire Commissioner William Renaldo, and members of the Arno family to dedicate the new Engine 2 firetruck as a tribute to the late Arno.
"To Firefighter Arno's widow Sarah, his daughter Olivia, his mom Sheryl and other family members, to Fire Commissioner William Renaldo, his management team and members of the Buffalo Fire Department, including those here at Engine 2, to union President Vincent Ventresca, and the other members of Local 282, I know how much Firefighter Arno meant to all of you, and his tragic death was a profound loss to our entire community. We are proud today to dedicate the Buffalo Fire Department's newest engine in his name," said Mayor Brown during a special ceremony outside Engine 2 in the city's Allentown District.
"Firefighter Jason Arno made a conscious decision to work at, arguably, one of the busiest fire companies in the city. He possessed and displayed the mental and physical toughness, and the warrior spirit that made him one of the best and brightest this department has to offer," said Commissioner Renaldo during Thursday's ceremony. "On that fateful day, he made the ultimate sacrifice, working with and alongside his fellow firefighters in the most challenging of environments. Regrettably, he joins a growing list of Buffalo firefighters, who gave their lives and service to this city and to our community. That list is posted in every one of our 19 firehouses as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with a life dedicated to the fire service."
Arno was a three-year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Department, and served with distinction at Engine Company 2, located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Virginia Street. That is where the new engine truck will be located, while the old one will now move into the department's reserve fleet.
"We will honor Jason's memory today with this dedication, and by continuing to serve with dignity, pride, courage and integrity. We'll focus on ways to prevent future tragedies so that no one else has to feel the pain we have felt, and continue to feel. We will continue to be there for the Arno family and the families of all of our fallen. We'll be the best we can be as firefighters and his friends, but most of all, we'll never forget."
The recently acquired engine truck is the newest addition to the Buffalo Fire fleet, and was purchased at a cost of $775,000. It also features the names of three fallen firefighters on the side of the truck, including Arno and the dates of each firefighter's last alarm.
"We still remember them as we remember all who have fallen, and we carry that memory with us as we continue on our journey of life," said Buffalo Fire Chaplain Fr. Paul Seil. "The motto is fulfilled so many times: 'Ut Vivant, Alii,' 'So that others may live.' Although here, there's a different phrase at this particular firehouse: 'Ut Vivant Dormiant,' 'So that others may rest'. But as we come to this firehouse today, remembering Jason and those others who have gone before us, we ask our gracious God to continue to pour out His strength upon us so we may truly walk together as a people of faith, hope, and love."
Also on-hand Thursday was the department's newest Aerial Ladder, purchased in February of this year at a cost of $1.8 million. This ladder truck has been assigned to Ladder Company 15, which is housed on Clinton Street near Bailey Avenue.
Both fire vehicles were blessed at Thursday's ceremony by Fr. Seil.