Four of the biggest local 2009 stories

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - #4.) August 10th: Flash Flooding in the Southern Tier.

Gowanda and Silver Creek become disaster areas. In Gowanda, the reservoir used for drinking water becomes filled with mud. A Gowanda man is swept to his death in his own backyard.

Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard said, "Unexpectedly the ground let loose below him. He was actually trapped up against the concrete and the rushing water and was drowned and was recovered right here."

Many homeowners are without insurance.

Homeowner Craig Taylor said, "It leaves me broke because I got to pay for it out of pocket."

The National Guard is brought in by Governor David Paterson who visits the devastated area. Volunteers come in to clean up and help neighbors get back on their feet.

#3.) A story that's still having an impact on everyone: A pandemic of the H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu.

Dr. Anthony Billittier, Erie County Health Commissioner, stated, "Our goal right now is, while we have a lull in the action here, to get people vaccinated in case there is a "round three.""

The virus claims several lives in Western New York. Many of its victims are young, in their teens or twenties. People begin accepting the vaccine in greater numbers.

Jenny Shah, a Williamsville mother, said, "From everything I've heard, the vaccine is safe, and it's unclear how the H1N1 virus would affect her, so I think it's best to get her immunized."

#2.) August 24th: An early morning fire destroys a deli on Genesee Street in Buffalo.

The scanners belted out, "Rescue portable, rescue portable, this is command. Pounding on the door in the basement, upon our arrival. We think there might be civilians in the basement."

Two firefighters perish after a floor collapses into the basement.

Thousands of firefighters from around the country attend the funerals of firefighters Jonathon Croom and Lt. Charles "Chip" McCarthy.

Lt. John Keohane of the Buffalo Fire Department said, "Very emotional. My eyes watered up and you could just feel the sense of loss. It's something that's very hard to put into words."

#1.) February 12th: A commercial airliner crashes in western New York.

A Continental Airlines commuter flight with 49 passengers and crew members on board crashes into a house in Clarence.

"It was just a sudden catastrophic event that took place and 30 seconds later they impacted the ground."

A man living in the house is also killed.

"Father we pray specifically for the families, the individuals, that are grieving at this time."

Jim Neill, a father of one of the crash victims, said, "It's sacred ground. There are fifty people there that I pray for, even though I'm one of them. They need it."

Those who lose loved ones in the crash hope their lives will not have been lost in vain. They push hard for tougher standards to make it safer for all of us to fly.