BUFFALO, N.Y. — With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we remember Tyler Schenck, a dedicated firefighter, emergency medical responder, HAZMAT team member, friend, coworker, and beloved member of the community whose life was tragically cut short following a motor vehicle crash in the Town of Elma late Saturday night.

Tyler, 29, of West Seneca, was involved in a serious crash on Clinton Street near Aurora Street at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday. According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, responding deputies found that the truck had left the roadway and crashed into a tree in front of a home. Witnesses reported that the vehicle struck a utility pole before ultimately crashing into the tree.

Tyler was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving efforts, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11 p.m.

The news of Tyler’s passing has brought deep sorrow to the firefighting and emergency-response communities throughout Erie County and beyond.

The Seneca Hose Company #1 confirmed Sunday morning that Tyler was the member who lost his life in the crash. For those who knew him, his passing represents far more than the loss of a first responder. It is the loss of a son, brother, friend, coworker, colleague, teammate, and a person who devoted his time and energy to helping others.

Tyler dedicated himself to serving his community in multiple roles. In addition to being a member of Seneca Hose Company #1, he was also a member of the Erie County Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services ambulance team and the Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services HAZMAT team, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

His commitment to emergency service was a reflection of a life centered around helping people during some of their most difficult moments. Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, HAZMAT personnel, and other first responders routinely put themselves in challenging and dangerous situations to protect strangers, neighbors, families, and communities. Tyler was one of those people who chose to answer that call.

Chief Dylan Seufert of Seneca Hose Company #1 and West Seneca Fire District #5 expressed heartfelt condolences following Tyler’s death.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Tyler’s family, friends, coworkers, and fellow first responders during this incredibly difficult time. Tyler’s dedication to serving others and the impact he made on those around him will not be forgotten.”

Those words capture the legacy Tyler leaves behind. A life dedicated to service is measured not only by the years lived, but also by the lives touched along the way. Every call answered, every person helped, every hour spent training, every moment standing beside fellow responders, and every act of kindness becomes part of a lasting legacy.

The loss of a first responder is felt especially deeply by those who understand the bonds formed within emergency-service organizations. Firefighters and EMS personnel become more than coworkers. They become a family, united by trust, responsibility, sacrifice, and the shared promise to be there when someone needs help.

Tyler’s fellow responders now face the painful reality of responding to a tragedy involving one of their own.

Our thoughts are also with the first responders who arrived at the scene that night and worked to help Tyler. They, too, are carrying the weight of what happened. Behind every emergency call are people who witness difficult moments and continue doing their jobs in the hope of saving lives.

As the community mourns, Tyler’s family and loved ones are facing a loss that words cannot adequately describe. No statement can erase the pain of losing someone so suddenly. In moments like these, the most important thing is to remember the person behind the uniform—the individual who mattered deeply to the people who knew and loved him.

Tyler Schenck will be remembered for his dedication to public service and for the impact he made through his work with the fire service, EMS, and HAZMAT response.

His uniform represented service.
His work represented courage.
His presence represented friendship and fellowship.
And his memory will remain with the people whose lives he touched.

Today, the community stands with Tyler’s family, friends, coworkers, fellow firefighters, EMS personnel, HAZMAT colleagues, and every first responder who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

May they find strength in the memories they shared with Tyler, comfort in the support of one another, and peace in knowing that his dedication to helping others will not be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Tyler.

Thank you for answering the call.
Thank you for serving others.
Thank you for standing ready when people needed help.
Thank you for the difference you made.

Your time with us was far too short, but the legacy you leave behind will continue through the people, organizations, and communities you served.

In loving memory of Tyler Schenck.

Gone from our sight, but never forgotten.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Our deepest condolences go out to Tyler’s family and everyone mourning this heartbreaking loss. May the memories of his life, his service, and the good he brought into the lives of others remain a source of comfort during the difficult days ahead.

Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here.