Submitted by his daughter
Jackson H. Gerhart‚ 65‚ died December 5th‚ 2004‚ the result of a severe head injury taken place while volunteering with the Chambersburg Junior Hose and Truck Company‚ at a house fire.
Jack retired from the Washington D.C. Fire Department in 1994 after 32 years of service as a firefighter technician‚ assigned to Engine Company No.17. He received the Department’s highest award‚ the Bronze Bar of Valor‚ twice‚ two Silver Medals from the Mayor’s Meritorious Award Committee‚ in addition to numerous commendations and letters of appreciation. He also served on the Executive Board of the Fire Fighters Association of the District of Columbia‚ International Association of Fire Fighters‚ and as Secretary‚ for 17 years‚ at Local #36.
Jack had a reputation for being one of the finest wagon drivers in the history of D.C. Fire Department. His knowledge of the district‚ his ability to handle the piece‚ and his administrative skills running Engine 17 were legendary.
Prior to the D.C.F.D.‚ Jackson was a paid fire apparatus driver for the Borough of Chambersburg and began his career as a member of the Junior Hose and Truck Company No. 2. He was given life time memberships in the Fire Fighters Association of the District of Columbia; the Fayetteville; Pleasant Hall; Metal Township; West End Fire and Rescue and New Franklin Fire Companies. After his retirement‚ Jackson was an active member of West End Fire and Rescue Company‚ Shippensburg for seven years and the Cumberland Valley Hose Company Shippensburg.
His hobbies included fire apparatus‚ photography‚ and toy collecting. He contributed articles‚ pictures and assisted in the publishing of many fire department books and publications‚ as well as articles in the Toy and Truck Magazine.
During the 70’s‚ while living in Silver Spring‚ MD‚ he was a director for the Glen Briar Condominium Association‚ serving the community as Treasurer and Vice President. Later in his retirement‚ he became an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Chambersburg‚ serving as trustee‚ usher and various missions‚ and also a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels in Shippensburg.
Jackson was a ‘local’ fire fighter historian‚ avid collector and dedicated protector. He knew many people all over the United States‚ reaching out as far as Alaska. His attention to detail‚ willingness to help others and true love for what he did‚ helped distinguish him as well as inspire others. Jack is certainly missed and deeply loved and we are grateful to pay tribute to him and others like him. He was the rock of our family‚ and since his passing we have had to come to terms with allowing others to help us. We are thankful for their care and attention‚ and we cherish all the wonderful memories.
Hey Jack, We just got back from a bunch of runs at work and I was thinking of you. Keep a watchful eye on all of us. We miss you! Scott
– ScottJackson, I miss you so much. No one could have taken better care of me. I often think of that last wonderful smile you gave me that Tues. at church. Love you.
– PatsyMiss you everyday Jack, you have been a great mentor, a great friend, and a second father who I have always looked up to. Your life was cut too short, and I wish you had more time to pass on your great knowledge to young eager fireman who have the passion you had for the service. Sleep easy and protect the emergency responders who carry on your legacy.
– Clyde-Clyde
Jack I always loved seeing you pull in to the station because I knew I was going to hear some great firefighting stories or see your newest collection of fire trucks. You were a great mentor to a lot of people and your legacy still continues to this day. Your are greatly missed. Continue rest easy Jack, miss ya lots buddy pal.
Jason
– JasonJackson, we went a back a long number of years. Beginning at the Junior Hose and Truck Company. I have a lot of great memories of our conversations. To me, you never forgot your roots and always were there to help the locals (Shippensburg).
– Edward GoodhartYou always will be professional in my mind (both paid & volunteer).
R.I.P.
Brother Gerhart, you were a legend in your own time. You always brought honor and great credit to the District of Columbia Fire Department and the American fire service. You did so with modesty, humility and dignity–exemplary in every way!
– Al Kirchner