Islip Street Renamed After 'Incredible' Fallen Firefighter

ISLIP, NY — An Islip street was renamed last week, in honor of a fallen firefighter who was raised on that block.

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, and members of the Islip Fire Department and FDNY joined the family and friends of FDNY firefighter Jesse Gerhard on Thursday, to symbolically rename South Bay Ave. “Firefighter Jesse Gerhard Way.”

Thursday would have been Gerhard's 34th birthday.

A lifelong resident of the Town of Islip, Jesse was two years old when he decided he wanted to become a firefighter, marveling at his great-grandfather’s FDNY helmet, a news release said.

He joined the Islip Fire Department at age 20, devoting more than 12 years, and rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

In 2014, Jesse joined the FDNY as an EMT, serving three years before entering the FDNY Fire Academy in 2017.

Upon his graduation in 2018, he was stationed at the “Big House” in Far Rockaway. He also volunteered with the Islip Fire Department.

In February, Gerhard suffered a "medical episode" after battling a Queens fire.

First responders and firefighters turned out in droves for Gerard's funeral services in Bay Shore, alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“Jesse followed his heart and his dreams. His commitment to making the world a better place drove him forward, and he died doing what he loved,” said Carpenter. “While we continue to grieve the loss of such an incredible young man, we remember the legacy he left behind, and cherish the memories that continue to keep his spirit alive.”