Senate Resolution No. 508

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the untimely death and paying tribute to
the life and heroic service of Firefighter Jason
Arno who died in the line of duty on March 1, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking firefighter who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to both his family and the residents
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the tragic and untimely death of Firefighter Jason "Jay" D.
Arno, who made the ultimate sacrifice on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at
the age of 37; and

WHEREAS, Around 10 a.m., Jason D. Arno, a three-year member of
Buffalo Fire Department Engine 2, stationed at Elmwood Avenue and
Virginia Street in the neighborhood of Allentown, was fighting a
four-alarm blaze at DC Theatricks on Main Street when work being done on
the structure with blowtorches appeared to cause a backdraft which sent
flames shooting out of the three-story building in what at first
appeared to be an explosion; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Jason D. Arno was caught in the partial
building collapse and trapped about 30-40 feet inside; the department
lost contact with him shortly after a mayday call came through the
radio, and unfortunately, due to the ferocity of the fire, his fellow
firefighters could not reach him and he succumbed to the deadly blaze;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the recovery of his body, Firefighter Jason D. Arno
was solemnly greeted by his comrades who gave him a stoic salute,
honoring his bravery and memorializing the loss of a young man who lived
a meritorious life of service to his beloved Buffalo community; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Mayor Byron W. Brown has asked for buildings
and other structures and landmarks, including Buffalo City Hall, the
Peace Bridge and Niagara Falls, to be lit up in red through Sunday and
directed all City of Buffalo flags to be flown at half-mast; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 27, 1985, Jason D. Arno graduated from
Canisius High School in 2003; during high school, he played football for
the Crusaders, winning postseason accolades during his junior year; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his stepfather, John, Firefighter Jason D.
Arno is survived by his wife, the former Sarah-Elizabeth Tierney; one
daughter, Olivia Louise; his mother, Sheryl; his father, David (Julie);
three brothers, Delton (Ashley), Noah and Nic; four sisters, Lydia,
Erikka, Alyssa, and Abigail; mother-in-law, Karen Tierney;
father-in-law, Robert (Deborah) Tierney; many aunts, uncles, nieces and
nephews; and numerous friends; as well as a legion of fellow
firefighters who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Jason D. Arno's greatest joy in life was his family,
everything in his life came second to his daughter, who was his pride
and joy; and

WHEREAS, Jason D. Arno was known for his strong work ethic, warm
smile, and for being an all-around good guy; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Firefighter Jason D. Arno leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing young
man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of
this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and heroic actions of Firefighter Jason D. Arno, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Jason D. Arno.