Buffalo, NY – Members of the Buffalo Police and Buffalo Fire Departments celebrated 716 Day with festivities at Canalside today, showcasing their fleet of public safety vehicles. Demonstrations were also carried out by the K-9 and SWAT units, adding to the eventful day. The Police Athletic League of Buffalo gave away free bicycle helmets. There were also free child car seat safety checks conducted by both Buffalo Police and Fire Departments.
“716 Day is more than three numbers, it is who we who are,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “716 is unique to the people who live here and the culture that has been created. We are the City of Good neighbors and our 716 spirit is felt in neighborhoods citywide, cemented in the inclusive, equitable communities that make Buffalo and Western New York so special.”
Back in 2003, 716 Day came about after a friendly dispute between Buffalo and Rochester on which city would control the area code, 716. Local residents and businesses, in partnership with elected leaders form the Buffalo area, assembled a campaign to keep 716 in Buffalo, which created and secured a new identity for Buffalo and the entire Western New York area.
For more information, please visit www.buffalony.gov or Mayor Byron W. Brown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.