BUFFALO, N.Y. — August 24 — The Buffalo Fire Department is commemorating 17 years since Firefighter Jonathan S.Croom of Ladder 7 and Lieutenant Charles “Chip” McCarthy of Rescue 1 lost their lives while responding to a three-alarm fire on Genesee Street.

The incident took place early on August 24, 2009, at a building that combined both commercial and residential spaces.

Firefighters were conducting a search inside the structure after receiving reports that someone might be trapped.During the operation, part of the floor collapsed.Lieutenant McCarthy fell into the basement, and Firefighter Croom entered the building during the rescue attempt and also fell through the floor.Both firefighters were killed as a result of the collapse.

Lieutenant McCarthy had been a member of the department for 22 years and was assigned to Rescue 1.

Firefighter Croom was stationed with Ladder 7.Their passing remains one of the most significant line-of-duty fatalities in the department's history.

The Buffalo Fire Department continues to recognize their service and keep their names as part of its historical records.