Jason D. “Jay” Arno died on March 1, 2023, from injuries sustained while fighting a structure fire at a commercial building.
Jay lit up every room he walked into. North Buffalo born, he attended St. Rose of Lima grade school before attending Canisius High School. He entered the culinary arts program at Erie Community College, which allowed him the opportunity to intern as a chef in Italy.
After many years in the restaurant business working both front and back of the house, Jay decided to enlist in the Buffalo fire academy. He graduated and became a Buffalo Fire Fighter in 2019. It was one of the greatest achievements of his entire life. He was proud to serve and protect his community and work alongside the brave men and women of the Buffalo fire department.
Jay and his then fiancée welcomed a baby girl in June 2019 and were wed in September 2022. Jay was a devoted husband and an adoring father to his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Olivia. He lived and breathed for his family.
He is also survived by seven siblings, his parents, and countless friends. He was cherished by all who knew him and left an unforgettable mark on every life he touched. He is greatly missed.
I never knew Jason. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever personally known a firefighter who died in the line of duty. But my oldest daughter and her loving partner are volunteer firefighters in WNY and despite intensive training, anything can go wrong very quickly, with devastating results. I also lost a beloved nephew in a Columbia County NY house fire in 2011, and though he wasn’t a firefighter, he was a devoted father to his 3 young children, who grew up without him and who miss him deeply. So today I honor Jason Arno, whose little girl will grow up without her firefighting hero, because all our firefighters are heroes who never know if they’ll return home after a call.
– Bonnie Murawski