BUFFALO, N.Y. — Fighting massive flames is something firefighters trained for.

They know that loss could be part of the job, but nobody’s ever prepared for that.

Once a call went out shortly after that explosion and collapse in the building on Main Street in downtown Buffalo Wednesday, fellow firefighters were worried for their coworker — and their friend.

Throughout the day, that changed into a more somber mood.

Now all they can do is be there for each other.

What You Need To Know

  • A 37-year-old firefighter died while battling a massive four-alarm fire in downtown Buffalo Wednesday, according to city officials

  • Firefighters responded to the building, located at 745 Main Street in the Theater District, around 10 a.m., according to the fire commissioner

  • Buffalonians are standing with the Buffalo Fire Department following their loss

  • Mayor Byron Brown has directed all City of Buffalo flags to fly at half-staff

“It’s the greatest job in the world,” said Garnell Whitfield, former Buffalo Fire Department commissioner. “It’s not even a job, it’s a calling. But, because of that, you take a lot of things for granted. Every call you go on, you literally are putting your life on the line.”

Whitfield knows that going through this loss is their worst nightmare. 

“This is tough,” he said. “This is one of their own. This is not something they will ever get over.”

While residents of the city of Buffalo might not have known the firefighter personally, they still feel that sorrow.

“I want to be here to show and pay my respects to the Buffalo Fire Department for the tragic loss today,” said Dan Marinola, Buffalo resident.

Many gathered at the scene throughout the day.

“It's always difficult to see destruction from a fire,” said Marinola. “But when you add to it, the…loss of life. Nothing. You can't express it.”

“You think of the young man who perished today,” said Whitfield. “You think of his family. You think of what they must be going through. And then you think of his larger family, the Buffalo Fire Department.”

Whitfield says they know how to compartmentalize. They have to be ready in case an emergency breaks out.

He says at this point, they can try to find solitude in whatever God they believe in or at the very least, their brothers and sisters in the fire department.

As for the city of Buffalo, residents want them to know: they’re here — and they’re forever grateful.

“My heart goes out to them,” said Marinola. “And I thank God for each and every one of them, that every day puts their life on the line for the people of Buffalo.”

All flags in county buildings will be lowered in the firefighter’s honor.