Jesse Gerhard: A Hero who Lives On

5-5-5-5 is the signal that was transmitted on February 16th 2022, for Firefighter Jesse B Gerhard of Ladder 134. Gerhard, 33, was a 7 year veteran with the department. He suffered a medical episode while on duty in his firehouse in Far Rockaway, Queens. He was transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital where his passing was announced. Gerhard operated a 2-alarm fire the previous day. 

While he was a firefighter, he saved countless individuals from fires and accidents which we are all thankful for. Even passing away, he is saving more individuals with the act of organ donation. His tissue has been donated to dozens of recipients as of Friday February 18th. With this action, he is a hero who lives on – He will be missed and we thank him for his service. He is survived by his parents, brother and sister-in-law.

Gerhard worked as an FDNY EMT in 2014 assigned to Station 10 in Manhattan, where he then served at Station 47 in Far Rockaway. Later in 2017, he entered the Fire Academy and graduated in April 2018 being assigned to Engine Company 264 in Far Rockaway. In March 2020, he transferred to Ladder Company 134 – the same firehouse Engine 264 resided.

“He was a confident and proficient EMT, he cared  for each patient as if they were a family member” – Lt Rob Walsh of Station 10.

“I worked with Jesse for the past four years. Jesse was a very hard worker, he didn’t stop, he always wanted to learn. He was a gentleman, we all loved him. He lived and breathed this job, he loved being a Firefighter. Jesse created a bond and a friendship with all of us here that will never be broken.” – FDNY Firefighter Carl Kretkowski Ladder 134.

Organ donation can save multiple lives and when you are in a job that has a high-risk of death, it is something that you should consider with family and friends. Even with a low risk job, organ donation should still be considered as it can save countless lives while losing an important one. Talk and think about organ donation with your loved ones while you are still around.