The FDNY Foundation Congratulates FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro on his Retirement
January 21, 2022
The FDNY Foundation reminds all New Yorkers to attend Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery events during the week of March 7th – March 12th
March 7, 2022
On Thursday, February 17th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh 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.”
The FDNY Foundation joins the FDNY in sending our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Firefighter Gerhard. We thank him for his 7 years of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the FDNY and the people and City of New York.
Firefighter Gerhard was appointed to the FDNY as an Emergency Medical Technician in July 2014 and was first assigned to Station 10 in Manhattan and later served at Station 47 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 Ladder 134 located in the same firehouse as Engine 264 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.
