A Binghamton firefighter who died in the line of duty was one of 126 whose names were added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial on Oct. 7.
John “JR” Gaudet, who was killed on Feb. 12 while fighting a fire at 1 Main St. in Binghamton, was honored at the 28th annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany.
The granite memorial wall, which is 54 feet long and 15 feet high, is inscribed with the names of 2,818 New York firefighters who have died in the line of duty, according to the official state memorial website.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued two proclamations on Oct. 7. She declared the date Firefighter Appreciation Day and the week of Oct. 6-10 Fire Prevention Week in New York.
“For 28 years, we have come together to honor New York firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Hochul said. “Our hearts are with these firefighters, their loved ones and the communities that have always stood with them. While putting the lives of others ahead of their own, they made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are eternally grateful for their service.”
In a Facebook post, the City of Binghamton Fire Department said about 100 firefighters, friends and family made the trip to Albany in Gaudet’s honor.
City of Binghamton Fire Captain David Holleran, who is also Local 729 President, said members of the fire department head to Albany and honor fallen firefighters every year during Fire Prevention Week, but this year in particular was a significant trip for everyone involved.
“It was important to show support, to remember JR’s sacrifice and also the sacrifices his family has made,” Holleran said. “We promise to never forget the sacrifices that they both have made.”
On Oct. 8, the fire department gathered at St. Paul’s Church on Chenango Street for another annual event, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Mass which is held in honor of every Binghamton firefighter who has died in the line of duty.
The majority of the names added to the memorial in Albany this year were firefighters who died from illnesses stemming from the rescue and recovery efforts made on Sept. 11, 2001, according to the department’s post.
“John tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 12, 2025, while operating at a building fire,” the post read. “His courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton firefighter JR Gaudet added to NY Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
