Buffalo Firefighter Killed in Iraq Returns Home

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – A Buffalo firefighter killed in Iraq was returned home Tuesday. The body of Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Dill arrived at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Members of the military lined a cargo hanger at the airport. They were joined by Dill's family members and a contingent of Buffalo firefighters. They welcomed the fallen solider after his long journey home. "Being over in Iraq, one thing you never forget is people you fight with over there and especially your fallen comrades," Cipolla said. "You never forget them."

Dill's body was accompanied home by First Class Sergeant Jason Jaskula of Buffalo. The men first met in the Gulf War and remained in the reserves, bunking together in Iraq.

"Sergeant Jaskula was Sergeant Dill's best man in his wedding. Mrs. Dill requested that Jaskula be allowed to come home and the military granted her request," Cipolla said.

Cipolla called Dill an outstanding soldier. A large motorcade that included Buffalo fire vehicles escorted Dill's body out of the airport. They drove by Engine 21 on Jefferson Avenue to pay tribute to the fallen soldier, then headed to Amigone Funeral Home in Tonawanda where a wake for Dill begins Wednesday.

Dill's funeral will be held Friday morning at Saint Edmund's Church in Tonawanda.