BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WENY) -- A Binghamton firefighter died Wednesday night, Feb. 12th, while fighting a three alarm fire on Main Street in the downtown area. 

The fallen firefighter has been identified as John "JR" Gaudet. In a press release from the Mayor's office, it said he died after a wall collapsed while crews were fighting the fire. Two other firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital. They were released from the hospital on Wednesday morning.

Gaudet was an 11-year veteran of the Binghamton Fire Department and was 40 years old. He was also a youth sports coach to teams in Binghamton and was 'always eager to share his passion and lacrosse wisdom with young athletes. His impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of so many in our city.'

In a statement, the Binghamton Fire Department wrote, "JR embodied what it means to be a firefighter—fearless, dedicated, and always putting others before himself. His infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and relentless work ethic made him a brother to all who had the honor of serving alongside him. He was the kind of firefighter you could always count on, the one who would have your back no matter the situation. At fires, he was a bull—always first in line to get inside. He would literally run through a wall for you. There was no one better to have by your side."

In a statement from the city of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham on the fatal fire he said:

"This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are broken for the firefighter’s family. I ask us to all say a prayer for the entire Binghamton Fire Department community and our city. Every day, our firefighters brave dangerous situations to protect citizens and keep our community safe. The men and women who dedicate their lives to this work are heroes. Tonight, the City of Binghamton mourns a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. We pray for a speedy recovery for the two injured firefighters and carry the entire department in our hearts.”

According to the Binghamton Fire Department, Gaudet leaves being a wife and three young children.
 
According to Kraham, the investigation into the fire is ongoing, and the department is being assisted by the Binghamton Police Department and New York State Fire Investigators through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
 

In a statement from the Tioga Co. Legislature Chair Martha Sauerbrey, she said:

"On behalf of the Tioga County Legislature and all County Departments, 'We are deeply saddened by the death of firefighter John Gaudet, an 11-year veteran of the Binghamton Fire Department and the two other firefighters that were injured in the fire in downtown Binghamton last evening. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved. We recognize their bravery and dedication to keeping the community safe. The loss of a firefighter is a tragic event that affects the family, friends, and the entire fire service community."

A GoFundMe has been started for Gaudet's family. You can donate by clicking here.