All,
We regret to pass on the Line of Duty Death of West Colesville (Broome County near Binghamton) Fire Company Fire Chief James Sitek, who died while operating at the scene of a residential fire in the Town of Conklin early this morning.
Today, Thursday, July 4, 2025 at 0253 hours, the Broome County 911 Center received a call reporting a possible house fire at 21 JR Blvd in the Town of Conklin. Crews from the Conklin, Five Mile Point and Town of Binghamton fire departments as well as Broome Ambulance were dispatched to the scene while Kirkwood and Hallstead, Pennsylvania Fire Departments were placed on stand-by.
First arriving companies arrived with a residence with heavy fire and immediately called for a second alarm, bringing firefighters from the Kirkwood, West Colesville, West Windsor and Hallstead to the scene. All occupants were reported to be out of the residence with one suffering light burns to the legs. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in under an hour.
During the incident, Fire Chief James Sitek, who had responded to the fire scene with the West Colesville Fire Company, suffered an apparent medical emergency. Medical care was immediately rendered by emergency personnel at the scene and he was transported to Wilson Hospital by Broome Ambulance where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Chief Jim Sitek was a 35-year member of the West Colesville Fire Company. He held many roles and most currently served as the Fire Chief for the past 3 years. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in peace.
Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.
BillyG
The Secret List, July 4, 2025 – 1656 Hours
