Sad news from the fire service

The Buffalo Fire Department suffered two line-of-duty deaths last week. Lt. Charles McCarthy and Firefighter Jonathan Croom were killed last Monday when the first floor of a burning building collapsed, trapping them in the basement. Investigators have not determined what caused the fire.

Lt. McCarthy entered the building after bystanders reported hearing voices from inside calling for help. When the floor collapsed, Lt. McCarthy radioed for help and Firefighter Croom went in to rescue him. Unfortunately he too fell through the floor and additional efforts to reach the men were unsuccessful. After the fire was extinguished, investigators concluded that there was no one in the building besides the deceased firefighters. It was not immediately clear if there had been someone trapped inside who had managed to escape, but authorities later determined that the voices the bystanders reported hearing came from an unrelated argument taking place on the street in front of the store.

Emergency services personnel are above all public servants, and Lt. McCarthy and Firefighter Croom served with distinction and honor. These men exhibited a depth of commitment and steel of resolve to the public welfare that sets the bar for every emergency services worker. The next time you meet a firefighter, thank him in memory of these two fallen heroes.