Community Rallies to Support Family of Buffalo Fire Captain Scott Janowski After His Death

The Buffalo-Niagara community is coming together to support the family of longtime firefighter and business owner Scott Janowski, a Buffalo Fire captain who died unexpectedly leaving behind his wife and a 3-year-old son. To help ease the financial effort facing the family, friends and loved ones launched a fundraising effort.

A tribute posted with the fundraiser describes Janowski as a lifelong public servant, devoted father, and small business owner who dedicated himself to helping others through his work with the BFD and as the owner of Wet Paws Painting and Wallpaper. The message reads:

“Honoring Scott Janowski — Supporting his family left behind.

Scott Janowski spent his life serving others. As a Buffalo Fire Captain, Scott ran toward danger when others ran away. As the owner of Wet Paws Painting and Wallpaper, he built something with his own hands and treated every client like family. As a husband, father to a beautiful 3 year old boy, friend, and neighbor, he showed up for people, always with a smile, always without hesitation, and never expecting anything in return. Scott was the kind of person who gave without keeping score. He helped quietly. He lifted people up. He carried burdens that weren’t his to carry. He loved sunsets on his boat, living life fully, and making the people around him laugh. To the outside world, Scott was always smiling. Strong, reliable, capable, dependable. What many of us didn’t see was that he was hurting inside.

Scott gave everything he had to this community. Now it’s our turn to show up for his family. Scott leaves behind his wife and his 3-year-old son.

This fund is being created to help provide immediate financial stability for Scott’s wife, with time to grieve without financial pressure, and to secure his son’s future, including education, childcare, and opportunities Scott would have wanted for him. Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping Scott’s family move forward — one day at a time — with dignity, support, and love.

Scott served Buffalo and the surrounding community every single day of his life. He protected strangers, helped friends, supported small businesses, and gave generously of his time, energy, and heart. He never asked for help. He never made it about himself. If Scott ever helped you, made you laugh, or showed up when you needed someone or something, this is our moment to give back. Please consider donating, sharing this page, and surrounding Scott’s wife and son with the same love and support Scott gave to all of us. Let’s honor his life not just with words, but with action. Thank you for being part of this and for serving those who served us.

All funds will be transferred directly and transparently to his wife's name or son's name.”

The fundraiser was organized by one of Janowski’s closest friends, Ryan Kanowski, who said he stepped in to coordinate the effort after speaking with others who knew and loved Janowski.

Friends and family members have comments saying that if you know the Janowskis, you can be assured that the funds will be treated with care, integrity, and respect of your hard-earned dollars. They would never be misused,” said Kanowski.

“Please consider donating as a way to honor Scott. He would donate to you,” said Kanowski.

The tribute closes with a final line capturing how many friends and colleagues remembered him:

“A MAN WHO GAVE SO MUCH OF HIMSELF TO EVERYONE AROUND HIM.”

Donations are being accepted through HelpScott.org where organizers say all proceeds will go directly to Janowski’s wife and son to provide stability and support during the months ahead.

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Community Rallies to Support Family of Buffalo Fire Captain Scott Janowski After His Death