John R Gaudet Obituary, Death;- The identity of the Binghamton firefighter who tragically lost his life in the late-night fire on Court Street Wednesday has been disclosed.
The Binghamton Fire Department responded to a second-alarm fire at 1 Court Street at approximately 9:40 p.m., where the building was fully engulfed in flames. During the firefighting efforts, a Mayday call was issued for three firefighters who were trapped inside the structure.
Mayor Jared Kraham reported that two firefighters were transported to Wilson Hospital after being rescued from the building and are currently in stable condition. Unfortunately, another firefighter was also taken to Wilson Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old John R. Gaudet, who served as a firefighter for 11 years with the Binghamton Fire Department. According to the press release, Gaudet lost his life when a wall collapsed on him while he was combating the fire.
“This represents the worst nightmare for any fire department. The Binghamton Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter Gaudet’s family and friends,” stated Binghamton Fire Chief Alan Gardiner in the release.
The Court Street bridge is currently closed to traffic as the area surrounding 1 Main St. remains an active scene. Fire investigators are utilizing heavy machinery to assist in clearing debris.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy, and our hearts ache for the firefighter’s family. I urge everyone to offer prayers for the entire Binghamton Fire Department community and our city,” Mayor Kraham expressed in a release.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is still underway as of this report.
