Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to Preside Over Line of Duty Death Plaque Dedication Ceremony for Firefighter Jesse B. Gerhard

March 10, 2023

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh will preside over a plaque dedication ceremony in honor of Firefighter Jesse B. Gerhard on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Engine 264/Engine 328/Ladder 134 – 1617 Central Avenue, Queens NY 11691.

“Jesse Gerhard embodies the FDNY- generous, dedicated, kind, always willing to give a hand and put others first,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “The entire FDNY joins his family and fellow firefighters at The Big House E264/E328/L134 in remembering Jesse. We will never forget the tremendous affect he had on everyone he encountered.”

On February 16, 2022, Firefighter Gerhard, 33, a seven-year-veteran of the Department, suffered a medical episode while on-duty in his firehouse – Ladder Company 134 in Far Rockaway, Queens. He 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 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.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Chief of Department John Hodgens, FDNY members, and family and friends of Firefighter Gerhard.

WHERE: Engine 264/Engine 328/Ladder 134 – 1617 Central Avenue, Queens NY 11691

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11 a.m.