A Buffalo Police officer joins in the salute as Buffalo firefighters battling a massive blaze at 745 Main Street line up and salute their fallen colleague as his body is recovered, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Buffalo, N.Y. (Derek Gee/The Buffalo News via AP)

Local fire and police departments are showing their support following the line of duty death Wednesday of a Buffalo firefighter.

As reported by the Associated Press, the firefighter was reported missing shortly after crews arrived at a downtown Buffalo commercial building, which held a theatrical costumes shop.

Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said the situation quickly deteriorated and firefighters had to evacuate to escape the collapsing interior. “The rest of our firefighters on the scene were able to safely evacuate and unfortunately, he was not able to,” he said at an afternoon news conference.

The firefighter’s identity was not immediately released.

The following messages were posted Wednesday by local fire and police departments:

Matt Coon, deputy chief for the Jamestown Fire Department: “Whenever a tragedy like this occurs, it hits close to home. We are constantly reminded of the hard work we endure, and the risks that are involved with this line of work. To put it simply, firefighters are heroes. These are the men and women who sacrifice themselves to save others. As the Deputy Fire Chief for Jamestown, I will do everything in my power to ensure my own members never experience this type of loss in their line of duty. We are all truly saddened to hear of this loss in Buffalo. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, I am so, deeply sorry to hear of this loss.”

Silver Creek Fire Department: “Our heartfelt condolences to the Buffalo Fire Dept. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with all the friends and families of the hero lost in the line of duty today.”

Falconer Fire Department: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the members of the Buffalo Fire Dept and the family affected by todays tragedy. Take a moment and say a prayer for those involved.”

Celoron and Ripley fire departments: “Our thoughts go out to our brothers and sisters at the Buffalo Fire Department as a member of Engine Company 2 has been killed in the Line of Duty at a 4 alarm structure fire in downtown Buffalo this morning. Rest Easy Brother, we will take it from here.”

Jamestown Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buffalo Fire Department, the family of the heroic fallen firefighter, and everyone else impacted by the fire in downtown Buffalo this morning.”

Dunkirk Police Department: “The Dunkirk Police Department would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Buffalo Firefighter who lost his life this morning fighting a massive fire. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the members of the The Buffalo Fire Department.”

Kiantone Fire Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Buffalo Fire.”

City of Dunkirk Fire Department: “Our sincere condolences to the family of the Firefighter who died in the line of duty today at a four alarm fire in Buffalo. Our thoughts are with the members of the Buffalo Fire Department.”

Fredonia Fire Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buffalo Fire Department on this tragic day.”

Brocton Fire Department: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buffalo Firefighters for losing a fellow Brother. May He Rest In Peace.”