Eugene Gerrard enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and achieved the rank of Quartermaster First Class.

Mr. Gerrard knew early on that he was called to serve. At just 17 years old in the summer of 1941, he set his sights on joining the military. Working as a printer by day and attending trade school at night in Brooklyn, Mr. Gerrard was ready to enlist. Inspired by his brother who was already serving and driven by a deep sense that “It was my time,” he joined the Coast Guard in 1942.

Mr. Gerrard served until 1945, earning the rank of Quartermaster First Class. His service was recognized with the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific
Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal.

But for Mr. Gerrard, service did not end when he returned home. It defined the rest of his life.

He built and operated two successful printing businesses over more than 60 years, while continuing to answer a greater calling to serve his community and country. Motivated by what he described as “a concern for the country,” Mr. Gerrard stepped into public service and was a Brookhaven Town Councilman for more than two decades.

At the same time, Mr. Gerrard dedicated 50 years to the Mount Sinai Fire Department, serving as Chief, Chaplain, and Fire Police Captain. He also founded both the Department’s Benevolent Association and the Brookhaven Volunteer Firefighters Museum.

Even in his nineties, Mr. Gerrard continued giving back. At age 94, he began volunteering at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center as a Red Coat Ambassador, welcoming and assisting fellow veterans with compassion and care.

Mr. Gerrard’s love for this country has guided every chapter of his life. As he puts it, “America is the best place in the world to live. It’s the land of the free… there is just an emotional feeling about living in the best country on Earth.”