BUFFALO, N.Y. — It’s been one year, and Buffalo Fire commissioner William Renaldo still remembers every detail from that day.
On March 1, 2023, Engine 2 and Buffalo Fire received a call that the D.C. Theatricks building at 745 Main St. was on fire.
That firefighter was 37-year-old Jason Arno — a father, a husband, and a three-year member of the Buffalo Fire Department.
But most importantly, “a hero,” Renaldo said. “That’s the only word. That’s the only word to use.”
The City of Buffalo gathered Friday to honor Arno on the first anniversary of his death. Flags will fly half-staff until Saturday morning. A procession from Engine 2 to the site on Main Street was held before the ceremony, which included a prayer and a moment of silence.
“It's going to be a very tough day for a lot of people,” Renaldo told 2 On Your Side on Thursday.
One that even the strongest of us will struggle to handle.
“There's going to be a lot of stoicism and a lot of people holding back their feelings, but we all know what their feelings are,” Renaldo said.
Arno's family and family also attended the service.