Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh today announced the death of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, 33, a seven-year veteran of the 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 2-alarm fire in Far Rockaway the previous day.
“Firefighter Jesse Gerhard dreamed of being a Firefighter his entire life; and he lived that dream, bravely serving the residents of Queens by battling fires and rescuing New Yorkers from harm,” said Mayor Adams. “The heartbreaking loss of this brave young man who was so committed to saving others is a painful reminder of the dangerous and difficult work New York City Firefighters do every single day.”
“As a Firefighter and an EMT, Jesse Gerhard served our city with incredible courage and valor, always rushing into danger and risking his life to save others,” said Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Our entire Department is in mourning over the tragic death of this extraordinary young man who always answered the call and never wavered in his sworn duty to save others.”
Firefighter Gerhard was appointed to the FDNY as an Emergency Medical Technician in July 2014 and was first assigned to #Station10 in Manhattan and later served at #Station47 in Far Rockaway. He entered the Fire Academy in December 2017 and, after graduating in April 2018, was first assigned as a Firefighter to Engine Company 264 in Far Rockaway. In March 2020, he transferred to #Ladder34, located in the same firehouse as #Engine264 in Far Rockaway. He was honored for bravery once in his career.
Firefighter Gerhard is the 1,156th member of the #FDNY to die in the line-of-duty. A resident of Long Beach, he is survived by his parents, his brother, and sister-in-law. The last member of the Department to die in the line of duty was Lieutenant Joseph Maiello, who died on December 26, 2021. Funeral arrangements are pending.
We share our deepest condolences & prayers with his loved ones. RIP Jesse.
Our hearts are broken 💔 once again upon hearing the news of the passing of @FDNY Firefighter Jesse Gerhard after sustaining injuries fighting a 🏠 🔥in #FarRock. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to save others. Condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. 😢 pic.twitter.com/XB3R8jl0Kt
— RNSP (@RockawayNassau) February 17, 2022
