BUFFALO, N.Y. — One year later, the Buffalo community remembered Jason Arno, the firefighter who lost his life during a 4-alarm fire on Main Street.
The fire at DC Theatricks happened on March 1, 2023, in the building at 745 Main St. Arno was a father, a husband, and a three-year member of the Buffalo Fire Department. He was 37 years old.
Following a procession from Arno's former firehouse at Elmwood Avenue and Virginia Street, Engine 2 arrived at the scene where it had come a year ago, with lights and sirens, to battle a 4-alarm blaze at building that once stood here.
A special message aired over fire radios throughout the city.
"Attention all companies. It is with heavy hearts one year since we lost our brother Jason Arno of Engine 2 first platoon while at 4-alarm fire on Main Street, Box 399. May his sacrifice never be forgotten," senior dispatcher Dean Lombardo said.
Arno's wife and daughter were surrounded by loved ones Friday as people remembered his life and sacrifice.
2 On Your Side attempted to speak with Sarah Arno, who is currently involved in litigation against the city. She politely declined comment.
Buffalo Fire commissioner William Renaldo talked with Claudine Ewing about the day's somber events.
"As far as Jason's legacy, we know there's inherent danger in this job," Renaldo said. "It's a risky job, it's one of the most dangerous professions out there in the world, actually. Jason is someone who came in with his eyes wide open. That's what he wanted to do. His career, his life could have taken a lot of different paths.
"Everything we learned about him, everything we knew about him before this incident and after points to the fact that he would have made a significant impact on the fire department and the community."