Binghamton Says Goodbye to Fallen Firefighter John Gaudet

Hundreds of people filled a church on Binghamton's West Side for the funeral of veteran city firefighter John Gaudet.

The 40-year-old Gaudet died last week after being trapped when a building collapsed as firefighters battled a blaze on Main Street.

Gaudet's family, friends and colleagues on the Binghamton Fire Department attended the funeral Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Firefighters and emergency services personnel from across New York filled the church as the community continued to mourn the loss of Gaudet and to celebrate his life.

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham told those gathered at the church that Gaudet was "a hero in every sense of the word." He said "JR was the first in line to go inside" to fight fires, putting "himself at risk so others could be safe."

Kraham said Gaudet was "humble and fearless in his service... and relentlessly positive with his friends and colleagues.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church was the same setting for the funeral for three Binghamton firefighters who died in the line of duty when they drowned in the Susquehanna River in September 1975.

Following the Mass, the funeral procession traveled downtown to Binghamton Fire Department headquarters. A firetruck bearing the casket moved slowly under a large American flag displayed across Chapman Street as firefighters gave a final salute to Gaudet.

The procession later passed by the city's North Side fire station on West State Street and Johnson City Fire Department headquarters on Harry L. Drive before reaching Calvary Cemetery.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: John Gaudet is honored by firefighters outside Binghamton Fire Department headquarters on February 19, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.