On the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins honored the service of late Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno, who lost his life while fighting a fire in downtown Buffalo on March 1.

Arno, 37, of Engine Company 2, lost his life while battling a four alarm blaze at 745 Main Street, a building which held DC Theatricks, a professional theatrical costume rental company for stage plays and musicals. His cause of death is still being determined.

He had been a firefighter for three years, was married over the summer and had a 3-year-old daughter, Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said.

"Last week the Buffalo Fire Department lost a brother and Western New York lost a hero in the line of duty during a four-alarm fire on Main Street in the City of Buffalo…Jason was committed to putting his life on the line each day for the community that he loved," Higgins said, in part. "As our city mourns this tragic loss, we are once again reminded of the bravery and sacrifice it takes as a first responder. While Jason is laid to rest this Friday, our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with the Arno family, the Western New York community, and his brothers and sisters of Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282. The City of Good neighbors and a grateful nation are forever indebted to Firefighter Jason Arno for his selfless sacrifice."

Higgins also announced resources available to fire departments through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which are intended to help professional and volunteer fire departments increase or maintain adequate staffing levels of trained, front-line firefighters.

"The entire Western New York community and firefighter brothers and sisters everywhere are devastated by the recent loss of Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arn," Higgins added. "In Congress, we fight to deliver and protect grant funding to ensure local fire departments have adequate equipment, training, and personnel necessary for a job with inherent danger. We are so grateful for the dedicated and selfless service provided by Western New York firefighters and encourage local departments to apply."

City officials expect more than 1,000 firefighters to attend Arno's funeral service at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo at 10 a.m. on Friday. Members of the public will not be allowed inside, but are asked to line the streets along the funeral procession in support of the fallen firefighter.