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N.Y. FD honors fallen firefighter with vigil, park renaming on anniversary of LODD

The Binghamton Fire Department marked the first anniversary of John “JR” Gaudet’s line-of-duty death as city leaders renamed West End Park in his memory

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Binghamton Fire Department held a candlelight vigil to honor Firefighter John “JR” Gaudet and mark the first anniversary of his line-of-duty death.

Gaudet died while battling a third-alarm fire on Main Street in Binghamton in February 2025.

| MORE: The ‘anniversary effect’: Processing the pain year after year

Binghamton City Council voted unanimously to rename a city park in honor of Gaudet, WBNG reported. Mayor Jared Kraham and Fire Chief Alan Gardiner introduced the measure to change the name of West End Park to “JR Gaudet Memorial Park.”

Council members said renaming the park was a fitting way to recognize Gaudet’s service and sacrifice.

Kraham said the park holds special meaning for the Gaudet family, noting Gaudet practiced lacrosse there as a child and later brought his three children to play.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.