Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was a somber morning in Buffalo on Friday as the city remembered and honored the life and legacy of fallen Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno, one year to the day after his passing in the line of duty.
Arno died at the age of 37 on March 1, 2023 while battling a massive four-alarm fire at the old DC Theatricks building at 745 Main Street in the city's Theatre District.
Joining members of Arno's family for Friday's remembrance ceremony included several members of the Buffalo Fire Department, as well as members of the Buffalo Police Department, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and other elected officials.
"Words alone will never be enough to convey our continued sorrow for the loss of firefighter Jason Arno. His death one year ago was a gut-wrenching tragedy for our entire city," said Mayor Brown during Friday's ceremony. "Our first responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day. Firefighter Arno's death is a heartbreaking reminder of what that service can cost. The pain we felt one year ago can still be felt today. But remember this: Firefighter Arno did not die in vain. He died a hero who will never be forgotten."
Arno was a firefighter based out of the city's Engine 2, located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Virginia Street. Engine Cpt. Scott Janowski remembers Arno most for the small things he did, especially when no one was looking. That is what set Arno apart from others.
"When remembering Jay at the firehouse, the common themes were a great relief, always dependable, did the small things when no one was looking, cooked incredible meals, and of course, he used every pot and pan knowing he didn't have to do the dishes afterwards," said Janowski on Friday. "Today is one year without Jay. Let us never forget. Let us always honor and remember him."
Friday's remembrance also included a special message across the entire Buffalo Fire Department, delivered by senior dispatcher Dean Lombardo, to mark one year since Arno's passing.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo says the events of the last 12 months since Arno's death have made the department that much closer and more resilient. He says Arno was truly the best and brightest the department had to offer in a firefighter.
"We celebrate Jason Arno's life today. He was an incredible young man, who had a brilliant future ahead of him, and it's a tragedy that we lost him," said Commissioner Renaldo. "And while we can never fully convey our sorrow, gratitude and admiration, we know in our hearts the tremendous contribution he would have made to this department and this community."
Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 President Chris Whelan says word can never truly express the deep loss of pain that the Arno family and the rest of the department suffered one year ago. However, members of the fire department will continue to be there for the city as a testament to the dedicated service and sacrifice of firefighters like Arno.
"There's a saying about the bond that exists in the fire service. To be on the outside looking in, you wouldn't understand it. And to be on the inside looking out, you could never explain it. As firefighters, we share a bond like no other, as demonstrated by the group who was present here today," said Whelan. "Since Jay's passing, we have been there. We've been there for each other, we've been there for the citizens of the City of Buffalo, and we've been there for the Arno family. It's what we do. It's what we will always do."