BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — On March 1, Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno was killed in a four-alarm fire on Main Street.
Arno was a three-year member of the department and Buffalo Fire Department Commissioner William Renaldo said he was a bright young man with everything in front of him, he was married over the summer and had a three-year-old daughter at home.
"Just a great all-around person, no one ever had anything negative to say about Firefighter Arno," said Renaldo.
Since the department announced Arno was killed, Western New York has stepped up to support his family in multiple ways.
- Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 announced checks could be made payable to Buffalo Professional Firefighters and mailed/dropped off to - 500 Southside Pkwy Buffalo NY 14210, (716) 856-4130. In addition, Venmo donations could be sent to @IAFF282. The 716 Foundation has put up billboards on the 190 and the 33 before entering downtown with information on how to donate to the Arno family via Venmo.
- Two GoFundMe fundraisers were also set up, one by Delton Arno which has raised over $340,000, and another one by Courtney Englert which has raised over $120,000.
- The Buffalo Sabres announced the donation of their 50/50 raffle from Monday's game to the Arno family. The jackpot total was $85,700.
- Oxford Pennant announced the donation of all profits from online sales last weekend to the Arno family. A total of $25,720.41 was raised.
- F45 Training announced the F45 locations in Black Rock and Amherst would donate proceeds from a special offer to the Arno family. The offer began on March 3 and continued through March 10. F45 announced the Black Rock location raised $1,520 and the Amherst location raised $525.
- Students at the Elmwood Village Charter School made cards filled with messages of comfort and love. More than 100 cards, along with a care package and cookies, were delivered to Engine 2 on Tuesday.
- Hofbrauhaus Buffalo hosted a benefit Thursday. Hofbrauhaus said 15% of total sales would be donated to the Arno family. Cash donations were also accepted.
- During the benefit at Hofbrauhaus, these shirts were sold for $20 with all proceeds going to the Arno family.
These shirts will be sold tomorrow from 4p-11p at @HofbrauhausB, during the benefit for Jason Arno. All proceeds from shirts will go to the Arno Family. @BfloFire282 @WKBW pic.twitter.com/iRUtCQALZF
— Michael Schwartz (@MSchwartzTV) March 8, 2023 - All Town of Tonawanda and Village of Kenmore Volunteer Fire Departments hosted a firefighter boot drive at intersections throughout the town and village with all proceeds going to the Arno family. The following companies participated: Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Co., Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Co., Brighton Volunteer Fire Co., Ellwood Volunteer Fire Co., River Road Volunteer Fire Co., Kenmore Vol Fire Co.
A wake was held at Amigone Funeral Home on Delaware Avenue and a funeral was held at St. Joseph Cathedral on Franklin Street.
