Public Opinion/Markell DeLoatch Firemen carry the casket of Gerhart to a waiting fire engine during services for the fallen firefighter Thursday at First United Methodist Church. Gerhart, of Shippensburg, died Sunday from injuries he sustained when he fell off a fire truck at a Nov. 30 house fire in Chambersburg. His death was attributed to blunt force trauma. An estimated 900 to 1,000 people came to Gerhart's funeral to pay their respects, including firefighters from Chambersburg, Shippensburg and Washington, D.C. Courtesy/Charles Armstrong Final journey: An archway awaits the funeral procession where Jackson Gerhart was laid to rest after his funeral service at First United Methodist Church in downtown Chambersburg. Public Opinion/Markell DeLoatch Firefighters salute as a casket carrying Jackson Gerhart passes them.     Firemen's prayer When I am called to duty, God Wherever flames may rage, Give me the strength to save a life Whatever be its age. Let me embrace a little child Before it is too late, Or save an older person from The horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert And hear the weakest shout, And quickly and efficiently To put the fire out. I want to fill my calling To give the best in me, To guard my friend and neighbor And protect their property. And, if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, Please bless, with your protecting hand, My family and my wife.

Jackson Gerhart's beloved Engine 17, which he spent many of his 32 years driving as a career firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire Department, carried him home on a rainy Thursday afternoon.

The engine was joined by scores of other fire and emergency apparatus in a somber procession to Norland Cemetery, where Gerhart was laid to rest after his funeral at First United Methodist Church in downtown Chambersburg.

Gerhart, of Shippensburg, died Sunday from injuries he sustained when he fell off a fire truck at a Nov. 30 house fire in Chambersburg. His death was attributed to blunt force trauma.

An estimated 900 to 1,000 people came to Gerhart's funeral to pay their respects, including firefighters from Chambersburg, Shippensburg and Washington, D.C., where he spent all of his 32-year career with Engine Co. 17.

Gerhart's dedication to the fire service and his many acts of kindness shone through in the words of those who knew and worked alongside him.

"Jack Gerhart laid down his life as he lived it -- serving others," said Ken Cox, a retired official with the union representing career members of the Washington fire department. "And we've all been better for it."

Thomas Tippett, a retired Washington fire chief who served with Gerhart in the 1970s and '80s, said he worked with many firefighters over the years, "but I can honestly say I don't think there was ever one better."

"He'll never be forgotten and he'll never be replaced by any of us," Tippett said.

Jamie White, chief of the Shippensburg Fire Department where Gerhart was a volunteer until his death, said Gerhart had been a mentor since he was a teenager.

"I loved to see Jack in his uniform," said White, fighting back tears. "You could just tell you were looking at a legend."

Then, speaking directly to Gerhart, White said a heartfelt good-bye.

"We will miss you, your conversation and your smile," White said. "So my friend, as you walk up that last set of stairs, let me say good night, rest in peace."

"Fireman Jack," as he was known, was a powerful influence on many of those in the fire service throughout the Franklin County area and suburban Washington. He did his job with distinction and encouraged and nurtured young firefighters, according to his colleagues.

"He was a good guy. He cared about everyone and took time to show everyone everything about the firetrucks and the job," said Scott Kitner, an honorary pallbearer. "When it came to fire details, he was always willing to teach you."

Just how many lives he touched in his 65 years, 1 month and 6 days on Earth was evident at York Hospital on the day he died, according to Cox. He said a steady stream of firefighters made trips to the hospital trauma center that day to visit Gerhart and his family.

"We had come from near and far to York Hospital because a member of our family was hurting," said Cox, who described Sunday as one of the saddest days of his life.

Retired for 10 years, the 65-year-old Gerhart didn't have to respond to the Chambersburg fire -- he wanted to because he wanted to help. That's the kind of man he was, according to those who knew him.

"Knowing Jack as I did, I'm sure he was proud doing what he loved his entire life," said James Martin, assistant chief of the District of Columbia Fire Department. "The department is a better place because of him."

At the funeral, Gerhart also was remembered as a husband, father, son and committed church-goer and Christian. He is survived by his mother, Janet Huber Gerhart; his wife of 43 years, Patricia Shank Gerhart; a daughter, Susan Gerhart and a brother, Charles H. Gerhart.

Scores of firefighters in the dress uniforms and white gloves filled the First United Methodist Church sanctuary.

As part of the service, at the request of Gerhart's wife because of the season, mourners sang three of Gerhart's favorite Christmas carols, "Joy to the World," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night."

The service opened and closed with the melancholy strains of a bagpipe, which played as firefighters stood outside in the rain and saluted while Gerhart's casket was carried from the church and placed on Engine 17.

Gerhart's family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Chambersburg Fire Department Museum, 550 Broad St., Chambersburg, Pa. 17201.

Originally published Friday, December 10, 2004

Pictures courtesy of Denny Clopper