Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Church bells were ringing Friday morning to honor lives lost in the blizzard one year ago.
The Buffalo Diocese asked churches throughout Western New York to ring bells at 9 a.m. for an extended period to honor the 47 people killed in the once in a generation storm.
"I want to thank Bishop Fisher and the Catholic Diocese for partnering with the city on that," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown on WBEN Friday. "Whether it's a prayer, meditation, or moments of reflection, I want people to remember the blizzard in their own way."
The Mayor noted that he will remembering and saying a prayer for the 47 lives lost a year ago.
Bishop Michael Fisher, in a statement, said "despite great suffering and loss of life, the blizzard was an opportunity for Western New Yorkers to demonstrate their most charitable and compassionate side."
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One year later, how are things different in the city of Buffalo?
The Mayor explained. "We're prepared for the worst. We hope for and pray for the best, but we are prepared for the worst should it come. Pre-preparation is critically important for government and for residents. A lot has changed since last year," he added. "And I think all of the government agencies are better prepared and I think our residents are better prepared as well."
This year, there is a stark contrast to the start of winter in Western New York.
It's a milder, calmer start. Mayor Brown said it's allowing two new hires, a fleet manager and emergency services manager, to get up to speed. Adding, "the mild weather has certainly been helpful."
Asked if there is a memory that keeps flashing back for him, Mayor Brown said it was ordinary people helping others, not just first responders. "So many residents did extraordinary things during the blizzard to help other people; to save other people, to comfort other people. Those are the enduring memories that I have in my mind. It really cements our community as the city of good neighbors."
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