BUFFALO, N.Y. — The national firefighting community this weekend is remembering two Western New York firefighters among more than 200 others who lost their lives protecting others.
Jason Arno died during a 4-alarm fire on Main Street on March 1, 2023, in a building at 745 Main St. Arno was a father, a husband, and a three-year member of the Buffalo Fire Department. He was 37 years old.
Arno is among the 226 people who will be honored during the 43rd annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Md. The two-day tribute will recognize 89 firefighters who died while in the line of duty in 2023, plus 137 others who died in previous years.
Here's how the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation described Arno's death.
"While fighting the fire, there was a backdraft that sent flames and smoke into the street. The situation quickly deteriorated, and firefighters had to evacuate the collapsing interior. Firefighter Arno became trapped, and a mayday was called. He was found deceased in the building a short time later," the foundation said in a statement, which included a list of 23 others who will be remembered for their service.
Also honored was Rebecca “Beckie” Eleczko from the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Company. Eleczko died in 2021.
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Eleczko was honored at the National EMS Memorial in Arlington, Virginia in 2022. Her family was accompanied by over 20 of her “fire family” and friends from Western New York. The site references that Eleczko is first person in the history of the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department to have their number permanently retired.
Many of the firefighters who will be remembered this weekend died from illnesses that were connected to their response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Saturday's tribute included a candlelight service hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.
"National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year," National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro said in a statement.
"We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 226 heroes — and their families."
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