Hundreds Attend Wakes For Firefighters

Hundreds of firefighters and others from all over attended the wakes of the two firefighters killed in the line of duty.

Mourners included friends, family and local dignitaries, as well as paramedics, police and other first responders.

By far, the largest group present was firefighters. Men and women traveled to pay their respects from Peoria, Illinois; New York City; Pittsburgh; Kansas City; Cleveland, Baltimore and beyond.

Many of the firefighters and families couldn't help but think of their own close calls. Several firefighters recalled situations where they were trapped. One mother told us her son lost his helmet in Monday's fire and getting the phone call that he was ok made her feel relieved and at the same time, she felt horrible.

Thousands of firefighters from across the U.S. and Canada will attend Friday's funeral services for Buffalo Firefighters Lt. Charles McCarthy and Jonathan Croom.

The funeral for Lt. McCarthy will be held Friday at St. Joseph Cathedral at 50 Franklin St. at 9:30 a.m.

Firefighter Croom's funeral will also be at St. Joseph Cathedral, Friday at 1 p.m.

Donations for the fallen firefighters can be sent to:

Local 282 Offices, 255 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202

There has also been a trust fund set up in memory of McCarthy and Croom. Donations can be made to Families of Buffalo Fallen Firefighters McCarthy & Croom at any Citizen's Bank Branch.

According to Firefighters Local 282, many volunteers are coming together to accommodate the firefighters coming to Buffalo for Friday's services, some from as far away as San Diego, California and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In between services, firefighters will be given boxed lunches at Coca-Cola Field. The HSBC Arena Atrium will be opened as a gathering point for all firefighters following Jonathan Croom's funeral. Area hotels have also been asked to offer discounted rates for out-of-towners coming in for the funerals.

"We're just thankful that the city residents and firefighters and people throughout the country are showing their support and sympathy in a trying time for us," said Local 282 President Daniel Cunningham.

The Electric Tower will light up in purple Thursday night to honor the fallen firefighters.

Friday morning, a procession will stretch from the James Cannon funeral home in Orchard Park to the Cathedral in honor of Lt. McCarthy.

Friday afternoon, another procession will wind it's way through city street from the Amigone funeral home, to the Cathedral in honor of Jonathan Croom.

Each will stop by the respective firehouse for the firefighter.

As for the services, we have some information on exactly what will take place. We can expect the President of the International Firefighters to speak at both funerals. He will present Medals of Honor to both men, posthumously. The bodies of both men will be transported on fire trucks for the procession. Fire trucks from Rescue One and Ladder Seven will lead the procession. As many as thirty bagpipers from Washington, DC are expected to play at the services. Dan Cunningham, the President of Local 282 says along with Governor Patterson and Mayor Brown, he expects all of our local lawmakers to be at the services.