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BUFFALO, NY (WNY News Now) — A group of Jamestown first responders took part in the service honoring a Buffalo firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Members of the Jamestown Fire and Police Departments traveled to Saint Joseph Cathedral in Downtown Buffalo Friday morning to pay their respects to firefighter Jason Arno.
“We’ve got approximately 20 members going to buffalo tomorrow morning,” said Lieutenant Dan Balling. “As well as the Police Department’s going to be sending a group of members with us. We’ll stand together in Buffalo, plan to be there around 8:30 in the morning.”
Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno was killed last Wednesday while responding to a massive blaze at a theatrical costumes shop when a sudden blast sent flames and smoke into the street.
Arno was reported missing shortly after crews arrived on scene, the building quickly deteriorated due to the intense heat and flames, and collapsing interior.
Around 20 members of both Jamestown Fire and Police Department joined together to participate in Friday’s funeral service.
“When you become a Fireman, you really become part of this big family, this brotherhood of firefighters,“ explained Lieutenant Balling. “When an event such as this happens, everybody comes together in support not only for the family, but our brothers and sisters in the Buffalo Fire Department. And everyone just wants to show our support, and be there for them.”
For the Lieutenant, just being in Buffalo to show support matters.
“It’s hard to put something like that into words,“ stated the Lieutenant. “I hope that the Jamestown Fire Department doesn’t ever have to go through this, but I do know that if something were to ever happen. That our brothers and sisters around the world have our backs, it means a lot.”
Thousands of people turned out for the funeral service, many of whom were first responders from around the country and region.
Firefighter Arno will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery during a private, family ceremony. Arno is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their young daughter, Olivia.
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