Gerald Patrick Jones May 27th, 1967- October 1st, 2006

What a great guy. Known by most as Jerry, he started his career in the fire department in 1996. He was proud to be a fireman. He spent time at Station 4 and Station 1 on B-shift. In 2002 Jerry was promoted to Lieutenant on Engine Company 5, and was transferred back to Station 4 on A-Shift. Jerry was highly qualified in all aspects of the job. He was dependable, independent and took care of business. He was always willing to share his knowledge with others, and was there to lend a hand. He earned the love and respect of so many, just by being who he was.

Jerry was a genuine man. He was not afraid to share who he was.

He loved his family. He would always find a way to slip his son Taylor into the conversation. Most could tell just how passionate he was about his son. Some could probably even tell you what Taylor got on his report card last year. That was Jerry though. We've heard stories about Vicky and Belinda, and at least one story daily about his best friend Dicki.

He loved his crossword puzzles. Most guys thought the station newspaper was delivered without a daily break section, until they saw it folded up in the shape of a cross-word puzzle, firmly in the hands of a pacing man, who some say looked like the Travelocity gnome. Don't worry Jerry, someone will find the answer to number 31 across.

Jerry believed in the brotherhood. He was a dedicated union brother, a member of the Red Knights, and an honorary member of the ILA longshoreman Riders. He loved to be around people and made so many friends along the way.

Jerry will be remembered by so many people in so many ways.

Nicknames like Jonesy, T-Rex, Penguin and Fluff and Stuff come to mind.

He was proud of his new-found cooking skills, and was not afraid to tell others that cooked when they needed to go look for their cooking skills. Most of the time, that did not stop him from eating, he loved to eat. His favorite food was FOOD.

He was a joker, and man did he love to laugh.

I will personally remember how I had to explain to my son, after pulling up behind Jerry at a stop light, what those two round objects were that hung from the rear bumper of his truck.

He was a diehard Earnhart Man, a Redskins fan, and Lenard Skynrd was his band.  He smoked Black and Milds and went to great lengths to fire up Lt. Dan. He worked hard for what he had, played harder, and he lived to ride.

Thanks for the memories, Jerry. You will be deeply missed.

On behalf of IAFF local F-25 and all members of the fire service, I would like to thank all of Gerald's family for his 10 years of dedication to the fire service. Take comfort in knowing that he will always have a special place in our hearts.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.