Buffalo Firefighter Russell Garnett Ross A Hero Remembered

By Frank Gist

FF Russell G. Ross

Recently retired Buffalo Firefighter Russell Garnett Ross was laid to rest in a celebration of remembrance and appreciation by scores of his family, friends and BFD brethren.

Ross was the son of the late Benjamin and Josephine Russell of Buffalo, NY. Ross excelled in academics and athletics, becoming a member of the National Honor Society as well as many other academic awards of excellence.

Ross’s professional career included positions at the Abd Lighting Management Company and Workmen Electric Company. In 1999 he pursued a career with the Buffalo Fire Department. He began his firefighter career in April 1999, after graduating from the Buffalo Fire Dept academy.

On November 11th, 2000, Ross’s bravery was put to the test while off duty. He noticed smoke coming from a home. He immediately ascertained someone was inside the house and assisted an elderly man to safety.

For that act of hero isms, he was awarded the Gold Heroism Medal of Honor, the highest honor awarded each year. Ross was remembered as a family man with a “need for speed” – owning many fast cars motorcycles and boats.

Ross leaves two sons: Mason and Shawnee Wallace; Siblings: Deborah Russell, Benjamin Russell, and Mark Russell.

God speed, Ross. You will be remembered.