The New York State Senate

J2057

Senate Resolution No. 2057

BY: Senator BOYLE

MOURNING the untimely death and paying tribute to
the life and heroic service of Firefighter Jesse
Gerhard who died in the line of duty on February 16,
2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking firefighter who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to both his family and the residents
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the tragic and untimely death of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, who
made the ultimate sacrifice on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the age
of 33; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Jesse Gerhard was a seven-year veteran of the
Ladder Company 134 in Far Rockaway, Queens; on Tuesday, February 15th,
he responded to a fire at 25-43 Beach Channel Drive along with his
fellow members of Ladder Company 134; and

WHEREAS, As the first arriving Ladder Company, they were charged
with searching for any trapped occupants inside the 3-story occupied
private dwelling, which was fully engulfed in flames on all three floors
and in the basement; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Jesse Gerhard was assigned to the "irons"
position, meaning he was responsible for gaining entry to the building
by forcing open the door so that firefighters could enter to fight the
fire and join him in searching for those who may have been trapped; by
5:49 pm, the fire was brought under control with only four minor
injuries to civilians; and

WHEREAS, The next day, Wednesday, February 16th, Firefighter Jesse
Gerhard was on-duty at his firehouse when he suffered a medical episode;
the members of his firehouse immediately provided emergency medical care
and he was then rushed to the hospital where unfortunately he died; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, who always dreamed of being a
firefighter, was appointed to the FDNY as an Emergency Medical
Technician in July of 2014, and was first assigned to Station 10 in
Manhattan and later served at Station 47 in Far Rockaway; and

WHEREAS, He entered the Fire Academy in December of 2017, and after
graduating in April of 2018, was first assigned as a Firefighter to
Engine Company 264 in Far Rockaway; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2020, he transferred to Ladder Company 134,
located in the same firehouse as Engine Company 264 in Far Rockaway and
was honored once for bravery in his career; and

WHEREAS, As a Firefighter and an EMT, Jesse Gerhard served his
community with incredible courage and valor, always rushing into danger

and risking his life to save others; every day, he bravely served the
residents of Queens by battling fires and rescuing New Yorkers from
harm; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Long Beach, New York, Firefighter Jesse
Gerhard is survived by his parents, his brother, and his sister-in-law;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Firefighter Jesse Gerhard leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing young
man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of
this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and heroic actions of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard.