Binghamton Memorial to Firefighters Vandalized Again

A black granite memorial honoring three Binghamton firefighters to died near the Rockbottom Dam has once again been targeted by vandals.

Brightly-colored paint or some other substance was splattered onto a curved section of the memorial featuring the names of those who drowned in the Susquehanna River 51 years ago.

The memorial honoring John Russell, John Cox and Donald McGeever is located on the south side of the Susquehanna River. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A fire department representative said someone spotted the vandalism Wednesday morning. He said it was at least the second time the memorial was vandalized.

The granite did not appear to have sustained permanent damage. Firefighters were planning to work to remove the material.

The monument is located along Conklin Avenue, several yards away from the Rockbottom Dam. It was dedicated in April 2017.

The memorial honors Firefighter John Russell, Fire Chief John Cox and Captain Donald McGeever.

The story of the tragic events of September 1975 is featured on a granite column near the Rock Bottom Dam. (File Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Russell drowned while trying to rescue two men on September 28, 1975. The men had been in a raft that capsized

McGeever and Cox drowned the following day when they returned to the river in an effort to locate Russell's body.

The firefighters were thrown into the water when the boat they were in overturned.

LISTEN: Veteran reporter Steve Craig recalled the 1975 tragedy during a live interview on WNBF Radio on September 29, 2025.

THE TRAGIC SCENE: Video of some of what happened at the Rockbottom Dam in Binghamton on September 29, 1975.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

LOOK: Every state's nickname and where it comes from

Spokeo analyzed state government information and other historical sources to compile this list of stories behind every state's nickname.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

QUIZ: Can You Guess the Iconic TV Show From Just One Opening Freeze-Frame?

Think you’re the ultimate TV fan? How well do you know your classic TV intros? Put your knowledge to the test with our quiz. We’ll show you a freeze-frame from the opening credits of an iconic TV show—take your best guess, then scroll to see if you were right and watch the full opening. Good luck!

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz