BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Thirty-five years ago, Buffalo firefighters rushed to a propane leak. When they arrived, the leaking gas ignited. Seven people were killed, including five firefighters.
On this anniversary, family of the men killed gather at Ladder 5 in Larkinville. It's a part of the healing process for these families. But, it's a little bit different for Nicholas Catanzaro.
“Every time I go into a fire it feels like he's on my shoulder protecting me,” said Catanzaro.
This is Catanzaro’s seventh year firefighting in Buffalo. It's his 35th year of life. He was nine months old when his father, Michael, rode Ladder 5 for the final time.
“I never knew my dad, but I'm living his life, every day by my job,” said Catanzaro.
December 27th is a day Catanzaro doesn't remember. But, it’s a day that changed him and Buffalo, forever.
