The Buffalo firefighter who was seriously injured at a South Buffalo restaurant Saturday afternoon remained in critical condition at Erie County Medical Center Wednesday. A source identified him as Derek Rose and a Go Fund Me page has been set up to help his family.
Meanwhile, Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said Wednesday that a second Buffalo firefighter, Richard Manley, has been suspended without pay for 30 days in connection with the incident.
Buffalo Police said they received a "rescue call" at the Blackthorn Restaurant and Pub on Seneca Street shortly before 5:30 p.m. Saturday, after the Old First Ward's St. Patrick's Day Parade. First responders found Rose in his firefighter's uniform, badly hurt.
So far, no potential witnesses, including several firefighters in the bar at the time, have cooperated with investigators. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said the lack of cooperation and the lack of any surveillance cameras at the bar are making it difficult to legally determine if a crime occurred.
Both the city's police and fire departments are conducting separate investigations.