A firefighter was killed and two others were injured after an overnight fire in downtown Binghamton.
Mayor Jared Kraham says the fire happened in the area of Main Street around 9:39 p.m. Wednesday. The firefighter was sent to Wilson Hospital, where he died. He was later identified as 40-year-old John Gaudet, an 11-year veteran of the Binghamton Fire Department.
In a social media post, the Binghamton Fire Department said Gaudet, also known as JR, "embodied what it means to be a firefighter-fearless, dedicated, and always putting others before himself. His infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and relentless work ethic made him a brother to all who had the honor of serving alongside him. He was the kind of firefighter you could always count on, the one who would have your back no matter the situation. At fires, he was a bull-always first in line to get inside. He would literally run through a wall for you. There was no one better to have by your side."
The two other firefighters that were injured are currently being treated at the hospital and are in stable condition.
"Every day, our firefighters brave dangerous situations to protect citizens and keep our community safe," Kraham said in a statement. "The men and women who dedicate their lives to this work are heroes. Tonight, the City of Binghamton mourns a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The investigation is ongoing, and involves the Binghamton Police Department and state fire investigators. The Court Street bridge is closed to traffic as investigators clear debris from the fire site.
The fire left a somber scene near Main Street in downtown Binghamton Thursday. Members of the community found ways to honor Gaudet and his sacrifice. They left flowers at the scene, and flags flew at half-mast at all Broome County buildings, Wilson hospital, where Gaudet was taken, and outside of the fire station.
In a statement, Binghamton Fire Chief Alan Gardiner called the death every department's worst nightmare.
"The Binghamton Fire Department is grieving the loss of one of our own. Our prayers are with Firefighter Gaudet's family and loved ones," he stated.
It certainly is a difficult loss for the city. The last time the Binghamton Fire Department lost a member in the line of duty was in 2013.
Gaudet attended SUNY Cortland during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years, according to a statement from the school.
While there, he played 12 games in attack for the men's lacrosse team during each of 2007 and 2008, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 2007 and one goal and one assist in 2008, according to SUNY Cortland.
The team was NCAA Division III runner-up in both seasons.
