A 74-page report appeared at the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Building’s doorstep Tuesday morning.

The subject: Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo.
The author: unknown.

What You Need To Know

  • Anonymous report on Buffalo fire commissioner says he does not live in city of Buffalo, which violates City Charter
  • Buffalo Firefighters Union wants Renaldo to step down as commissioner
  • City officials say Renaldo is in the clear
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“Once it was delivered here, we sent it to the common council, mayor, and city officials about the situation. We didn't get much of a response,” said Vincent Ventresca, president of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 282.

Ventresca says the problem is strictly a residence issue.

The report includes documents from the Erie County Clerk’s Office, which states Commissioner William Renaldo owns four properties: one on Louvaine Drive in the Town of Tonawanda – being his primary residence since October 21, 2014.

The Erie County Board of Elections website also lists the same Town of Tonawanda address as “active.” His other three properties — two of which are in the city of Buffalo on Taunton Place and Avery Avenue — were not listed.

“You can't just own property in the city,” said Ventresca. “That's not the deal.”

The City Charter states clearly: all appointed officers and employees of the city of Buffalo, shall be residents of the city of Buffalo at time of appointment.  

According to Ventresca, Renaldo has violated this City Charter rule since he became Buffalo fire commissioner in June 2018. It’s been two years.

“He doesn't reside in the city of Buffalo and he should be removed from service,” said Ventresca.

Later on Thursday, Mayor Byron Brown said he did read the anonymous report.

“I reviewed the packet and after reviewing the packet, I immediately spoke with the commissioner, and my understanding is land was purchased in the city of Buffalo, a house was built in the city of Buffalo. That is his primary residence, he still has his other house, and it's being sold right now,” Brown (D) said.

When Spectrum News drove by the Town of Tonawanda home, there was no for sale sign. In response, a city spokesperson told Spectrum News that the commissioner has a real estate agent and it’s a private sale.

What’s next – is unclear for now.