Cherished barbershop on Jefferson burns in accident

By: Javohir Aminov, News Editor

A barbershop on 1338 Jefferson Ave. erupted in flames on Saturday around 5:23 p.m. The cause of the fire still remains unknown, but it was reported that the fire started on the first floor and made its way to the living quarters upstairs, eventually making its way towards the attic.

Simultaneously, the blaze ran rampant through the basement of the barbershop as well and scorched the neighboring house. The owner of Mr. Love and Sons barbershop, Leroy Love, stated to WGRZ that he was closing the shop until he started to smell smoke and immediately wanted to get his family out of the building before the fire spread. “I didn’t try to save anything, just get out. Everybody get out,” Love reported.

Mr. Love’s son, Jeremiah Love, was staying in the basement when he saw his dad burst through the door trying to get him out, but the smoke from the flames suddenly broke out directly in front of him. Fortunately, all family members made it out safely, and are determined to keep the business open while staying persistent during these times to resolve the setbacks that the damages have caused them.

Mr. Love expresses his thoughts, saying that what has occurred was horrible to witness, “but it happens” he states. Mr. Love and Sons barbershop was a long–standing business for 30 years, with plenty of customers waiting in line for a haircut.

Mr. Love’s passion for cutting hair has made him build great relationships within the Buffalo community, and plans to carry on his work despite the misfortunes. As a deacon and veteran, Mr. Love spent years giving back to his community through charity and service work alongside his church, finding joy in what he does and serving his country as well.

He’s grateful for the members of his church and his customers checking up on him and his family after the fire broke out, and that their biggest priority is saving the barbershop so he can continue what he loves. A GoFundMe page has been set up to financially support Mr. Love while he and his family are trying to obtain fundamental essentials like hygiene products and clothing. He ended his interview with WGRZ stating “Don’t count me out. All these customers of mine, don’t count me out. I’m gonna put a sign on the window saying where I’m at, and it won’t be that long at all.”