05-07-2025
West Colesville Fire Chief James Sitek dies as firefighters battle July 4 blaze in Conklin
West Colesville Fire Company Fire Chief James Sitek died while assisting at the scene of a residential fire in the Town of Conklin in the early morning hours July 4, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services announced.
Sitek responded to a house fire at 21 JR Blvd in Conklin with the West Colesville Fire Company, which was called in for aid as multiple fire departments battled the blaze.
Sitek suffered an apparent medical emergency during the incident.
Medical care was provided by emergency personnel at the scene and Sitek was transported to Wilson Hospital by Broome Ambulance. Sitek was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the Broome County Office of Emergency Services.
Sitek was a 35-year volunteer firefighter of the West Colesville Fire Company. He held many roles during his tenure and had served as Fire Chief for the past three years.
In a statement, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she is "deeply saddened by the loss of one of New York State's bravest." Sitek "courageously dedicated his life to protecting his community," Hochul said.
'On behalf of the State of New York, I extend my deepest condolences to Jim's family, the entire West Colesville Fire Company, and all who knew and served alongside him," said Hochul. "Broome County is a safer place because of Jim's selfless service — and we are eternally grateful for his decades-long commitment to the people of New York State."
The fire was reported to the Broome County 911 Center shortly before 3 a.m. July 4. The Conklin, Five Mile Point and Town of Binghamton fire departments along with the Broome Ambulance were dispatched to the scene while Kirkwood and Hallstead, Pennsylvania Fire Departments were placed on stand-by.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find the residence engulfed in flames and immediately called for a second alarm response, which brought in firefighters from the Kirkwood, West Colesville, West Windsor and Hallstead fire departments.
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The occupants were able to escape the residence, with one person suffering light burns to the legs, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services said.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in under an hour and then worked to ensure there were no leftover pockets of fire in the home.
The Broome County Fire Investigation Office, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Broome County Sheriff's Office are all investigating the incident.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: West Colesville Fire Chief James Sitek dies in line of duty July 4
