In Memoriam

Jesse Gerhard

Firefighter Jesse Gerhard was the youngest son of Bruce and Lynn Gerhard and the brother of Casey. He was and still is a beloved uncle to Bradley and Kylie Gerhard and brother-in-law to Kristi Gerhard.

Jesse wanted to be a firefighter ever since he was three years old. There was never a Plan B. Jesse born and raised in Islip got the opportunity to work as a firefighter in 2010 when he joined the Islip Fire Department, which quickly became his second family. While serving there, he was also an avid member of the Islip Fire Department racing team, the WOLVES. Jesse later joined the FDNY as an emergency medical technician in July 2015. He was first assigned to Station 10 in Manhattan and then to Station 47 in Far Rockaway. He then entered the Fire Academy in December 2017, and after graduating in April of 2018, he was assigned to Engine Company 264 in Far Rockaway. Jesse Joined "The Big House," where he finally realized his life-long dream of becoming a FDNY firefighter. In March 2020, he transferred to Ladder Company 134, located the same firehouse.

On February 16th, 2022, Jesse Gerhard passed away after suffering a medical episode that resulted from battling a house fire in Queens the day before. We will continue to celebrate Jesse's life. Jesse's goal in life was to leave both people and places better than they were when he got there. Raising money for The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation will help keeps Jesse helping others. The FDNY and Islip Fire Department will forever be Jesse's family as well, and we will continue to work to help those who are in need in Jesse's honor.

William Moon

After suffering a fatal fall in the firehouse on December 12, 2022, Billy answered his last alarm on December 20, 2022 with the gift of organ donation, a topic he felt strongly about. He saved the lives of five others. The Billy Moon Foundation was created to honor this final act of selflessness. By commemorating his legacy, advocate and build awareness around organ donation, supporting those in the process, and paying it forward to our communities.

William “Billy” Moon II, 47 was a friend and mentor to everyone. He was a lifelong dreamer who aspired to be in the FDNY, and did not stop until he did. Known for his big personality, huge smile, and love for the job, Billy was also a devoted husband and father of two.

Raised in Islip, New York, Billy was a 21-year member of the FDNY, as well as a 28-year volunteer in the Islip Fire Department, serving as Chief of Department from 2016-2018. He began his career in L133 in South Jamaica Queens where he spent almost 20 years before transferring to Rescue 2 in Brooklyn. The significance of going to Rescue 2 was a big milestone and something he was proud to do. He always said he never worked a day in his life because he was a part of the greatest job in the world.

“Loving Billy was not only a marriage of families but a marriage to the fire department. His love and passion for the job extended far from the firehouse walls. He instilled that same passion in our children and always talked about how important it was to help others. We are eternally grateful for the Christmas miracles that Billy will now be able to give to others, including two brother firefighters.” - December 2022 statement from Kristina Moon, wife of Billy.