On February 17, 2022, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the death of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, 33, of the FDNY, and a former member of the Islip Fire Department.
On Wednesday, February 16, Firefighter Gerhard suffered a medical episode while on-duty in his firehouse — Ladder Company 134 in Far Rockaway, Queens — and was transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital where he later died. Firefighter Gerhard had operated extensively at a two-alarm fire in Far Rockaway the previous day. The members of his firehouse immediately provided emergency medical care and he was then rushed to the hospital where he later died.
Jesse was a seven-year veteran, joining the FDNY from EMT in 2014-2017, and completed his firefighter training 2018. During his tenure with the FDNY, Jesse served as an EMT in Station 10 (Manhattan) and Station 47 (Far Rockaway), Engine 264 (Far Rockaway) and Ladder 134 (Far Rockaway).
In addition to his career duties with the FDNY, Jesse was also a beloved 12-year volunteer firefighter with Engine Company 1 of the Islip Fire Department. Jesse served as 2nd Lieutenant in 2018-2019 and 1st Lieutenant in 2020-2021, and as a member of the Islip Wolves Drill Team.A resident of Long Beach, he is survived by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law. In lieu of flowers: https://www.firedupforacurefdnynyc.org/.
– Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, K2MPhotography.com and Jim Dunn
