Beloved Father Joe Bayne celebrated at farewell party

A big sendoff outside of the Bowmansville Fire Department Tuesday night was meant to match what hundreds of people are calling a big loss.  

Father Joe Bayne is on his way out of town.  He's best known for running South Buffalo's Franciscan Center--a home for troubled youth--and serving as chaplain for the Buffalo Fire Department, and Erie County's emergency services.

But in April, the Franciscan center closed, leading Father Joe to be reassigned out of state.  As the news spread, the Bowmansville Fire Chief and former Chief got together to plan a proper  goodbye.

Many say it's the memories of Father Joe's selflessness that they'll carry with them.

Father Joe comes from a firefighting family.  His mother, father and brother served with the Baltimore Fire Department, and his father died in the line of duty. 

As he moves on, Father Joe said he's grateful for all of the support he's gotten from all volunteer and paid firefighters in Erie County.

Father Joe will begin the next chapter in Western Massachusetts the first week of August.