The family of Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno

Jason Arno was a father, husband, son, brother and best friend to many. He leaves behind a wife (of 10 years, but officially married 6 months ago ) and a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Olivia. He was my younger brother by 1 yr and 17 days.

  

With how close we were and the suddenness of his passing, no journey in my 38 years has been more harrowing.

Jay was almost my twin. We talked about and experienced everything together. We fought and argued and agreed and disagreed. My parents split when I was 1 and joint custody meant we only had each other to count on 100% of the time. As kids, we talked at all hours going over all of life's trials and getting over some of our own. As we got older, we remembered it all.

His iconic contrarianism and variety made him the life of the room. I always played a supporting role, but I am nothing if not the proudest man I can possibly be to have had such a role in his life. I am lost without my brother. My parents, too.

However, this is not about me, this is about his soul mate, Sarah. She and Jay met in 2011. She peppers everyone with a soft kindness, offering food and drink in such a way that lets you easily say no and not feel bad about it and she worries that you do.  She was perfect for Jay as he was the best judge of character.

When they had their daughter, she became the first in her generation. She is three and a half and is still unaware of her father's passing. The fact that she and his wife, these two beautiful souls. have to face these disgustingly unfair circumstances is heart-wrenching.

I have so much anger and sadness and regret in my heart. Every morning I wake shaken from the memory of this unshakable event. When this is over and the silence is here, I want Sarah and his precious, daughter, the years of peace that's the minimum requirement to figure this out from within.

Thank you

Delton Arno

P.s. Courtney Englert's fund is legitimate. We were unaware of each other on the fund's creation date and we agreed these will be combined to form one fund. When donations cease, we will close both funds. Thank you.