By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – An estimated five to six thousand to converge on downtown Buffalo Friday for the funerals of two city firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Lt. Charles "Chip" McCarthy and firefighter Jonathan Croom died Monday in a fire on Genesee Street. Both funerals take place Friday at St. Joseph Cathedral.
Traffic and parking will be restricted Friday. Streets will be shut-off to traffic around the Cathedral.
Police Captain Mark Makowski is urging drivers to use to the I-190 and Smith Street exits into downtown and avoid the 33 Expressway. Those traveling by car or bus and exiting the I-190 at Smith Street will be directed to available parking areas downtown. The NFTA will provide free transportation to uniformed police officers and firefighters who use Metro Bus and Rail Friday.
A Mass of Christian Burial begins Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. for Lt. McCarthy. Firefighter Jonathan Croom's funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. inside the Cathedral.
The families of both firefighters will receive a medal of honor from the International Association of Firefighters.
Traffic will be affected from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday in downtown Buffalo and around St. Joseph Cathedral. Franklin Street will be closed to traffic from Lower Terrance to Eagle Streets as well as well as Church Street from Delaware Avenue to Main Street, Swan Street at Pearl Street and Seneca Street between Erie Street and Pearl Street.