Honor JR Gaudet with challenge coin
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An effort to memorialize and pay tribute to fallen Binghamton firefighter John 'JR' Gaudet has been so successful, its organizer is looking to continue it.
Brenden Horn is a volunteer firefighter with the Vestal Fire Department who developed a challenge coin to honor Gaudet.
Horn says challenge coins are popular with firefighters and other first responders as collector's items or mementos to trade and share.
He came up with developing a coin in honor of Gaudet as a fundraiser for his family.
Horn originally had 500 produced and sold them all for at least $10 apiece.
He says the coins are a small and affordable, yet meaningful way to keep Gaudet's memory alive.
He says he made sure to first receive the blessing of the Gaudet family and the Binghamton Fire Department.
'They loved the idea because it was something that is small, but at the same time, it's something that you can hold on to and always have with you. You can use it as a golf ball marker, you can use it for a lot of things. It doesn't have to be just a challenge coin,' said Horn.
The coins include Gaudet's badge number, the Binghamton Fire Department logo and the date of his last alarm, February 12, 2025.
They cost $10 each, but folks can make additional donations.
The first batch brought in $5,500 so Horn is ordering 500 more with the hope of raising $10,000 total.
To purchase a coin, visit gaudetchallengecoins.company.site.
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