A firefighter who died in an explosive blaze in Buffalo, New York, last week was remembered at his funeral on Friday as a talented cook who whipped up delicious meals for his colleagues and as a husband and father who loved his family and his city.

Two days after the fatal 4-alarm fire that killed Engine 2 firefighter Jason Arno, his body was transported from ECMC to Amigone Funeral Home on Delaware Avenue.

The hearse carrying Arno's casket was escorted by multiple police vehicles from several area law enforcement agencies, the Erie County Sheriff's Office helicopter unit, and fellow Buffalo Fire companies.

Firefighter Jason Arno “was a socialite, master chef, gambler, magician, server and firefighter,” his brother Delton Arno told mourners at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo. “Every new day made memories for a hundred lifetimes.”

Jason Arno, 37, was battling a blaze in a vacant commercial building on March 1 when an explosive backdraft sent flames shooting through the windows and knocked firefighters outside to the sidewalk.

The scene was emotional. Members of the firefighting community embracing each other throughout the procession. The tears on the faces of Buffalo's bravest could be seen through their powerful gaze.

Arno worked at restaurants and bars around Buffalo, Brown said, and then saw his life change in 2019 when he and wife Sarah-Elizabeth welcomed their baby daughter Olivia.

Arno issued a mayday call from inside the building, then went silent. His body was found hours later.The cause of the fire is under investigation.