Buffalo honors firefighter Jason Arno one year after his death

BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB) — Mayor Byron Brown and the Buffalo Fire Department announced their plans to remember Jason Arno, the Buffalo Firefighter who died one year ago fighting a four-alarm fire at 745 Main St.

The remembrance began on Thursday, with all City of Buffalo flag lowered to half-staff at 5 p.m., where they will stay until Saturday morning.

Friday’s plans begin at 9:30 a.m. where a procession of vehicles led by firefighters of Buffalo Fire Dept. Engine Company 2 left the firehouse on 376 Virginia, where Arno called home. From there they proceeded through city streets until ultimately reaching 745 Main St., the site of last year’s fire. At 10 a.m. a ceremony of remembrance was held at that location to honor the 37-year-old father, and husband.

“It was a tragic loss, we miss Jason around here. The laughter, the good food he always made and just the good heartedness that he was. So it’s always a remembrance every day,” said Engine 2 Captain Scott Janowski at a vigil on Thursday night.

Building where Buffalo firefighter Arno died subject of lawsuit from ex-congressman

Arno was a three-year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Dept. before he was killed battling a fire in a three-story commercial building. Authorities said he issued a mayday call after an explosive backdraft before going silent. His body was found hours later.

He left behind a 3-year-old daughter, Olivia, and his wife, Sarah.

“When it’s time to do the little things when no one’s looking, that’s how I would remember Jason,” Janowski said. “That’s what I would encourage people to do. If there is trash on the ground you could walk by or pick it up and I know Jay would pick it up. So the little things is how I remember him.”

Main Street between Tupper Street, Goodell Street, and Edward Street closed on Friday during the ceremony.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.