BUFFALO, N.Y. — It was a quiet, cold and somber Friday morning in the City of Good Neighbors, in which many Buffalo residents showed along the streets that took firefighter Jason Arno to his final resting place.
It’s a feeling Western New York has grown used to: tragedy, communities coming together, healing – repeat.
“Buffalo has been through so much in the past year,” said Cleveland Hill Fire Commissioner Joe Lewis.
For those who wear the uniform, it’s about more than just their department.
“We all know that it's very important for us to be out here,” said Lewis. “We have the old cliché, the brother and sister — that's absolutely 100% true.”
The shockwaves are still being felt through first responders far and wide.
“We are not Buffalo Fire, but we are part of in this community,” said AMR EMT Felicia Williams. “And I think it takes a toll on all of us. You know, it could be any one of us up there. It could be any one of us inside there.”
“We figured it's only right to show our support for our brothers and sisters while they're grieving the loss of our firefighter,” said fellow EMT Breona McCarter.
Even those who used to run to the sound of the alarm showed support.
“You don't want to think that firefighters will get killed in the line of duty,” said former EMT Jeanne Legall. “But when it happens, like you realize this is the real deal and it can happen at any given day.”
Because they know the risk.
“It doesn't mean you're not scared,” she added. “You're scared, but you go in anyway.”
Those living nearby caught what they could of the procession and funeral — seeing fellow first responders from Buffalo to as far away as California.
“I was not surprised that just for our local area, because everybody comes together for any event that if it's bad, good,” said Buffalo resident Joey Chowaniec. “So that's not surprising for the people that come from around the country. They are grateful.”
But mourning the death of one of our bravest reminds us…
“We love them. We care about them,” said Williams. “Those are our friends, husbands, wives.”
And inspires us.
“It doesn't just end today,” said Lewis. “We have to let them know that any time to help is needed, it will be there.”