Buffalo Firefighter Who Died In The Line Of Duty Will Be Laid To Rest Friday

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BUFFALO, NY (WNY News Now) – The firefighter who died while battling a blaze in Downtown Buffalo last week, where a fire and sudden blast sent flames and smoke billowing into the street, will be laid to rest on Friday.

Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno was reported missing shortly after crews arrived at the scene last Wednesday. The building, which held a theatrical costumes shop, quickly deteriorated due to intense heat and flames. Firefighters had to evacuate to escape the collapsing interior.

A wake and public calling hours for Arno are scheduled from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Amigone Funeral Home in Buffalo.

On Friday, a procession of first responders and family will escort Arno’s casket seated atop his fire engine past his home fire station, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Cathedral and private burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

An American flag will be draped between two ladder trucks, which will greet Arno’s casket as it arrives at the church. A similar display will be outside the entrance to Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the procession or service in some capacity. The church will only be filled with first responders, some from around the country and Arno’s family.