My husband Jerry was with the FDNY for 31 years. We were married for 30 years. We have two children‚ Caren and Paul. Jerry was a devoted dad‚ my husband and my best friend. On September 11‚ 2001 he was the incident commander of Tower #2. He was leading the rescue efforts for the civilians and instructing the firefighters as they responded to the World Trade Center. But my husband had more to his life than just the fire department. He loved to be with his family. His children were his pride. He was so proud of their achievements. He worked and studied hard to give them a better life.
SAVE THE DATE - Our Season of Giving Kicks Off on December 3, 2024
#FireHeroTuesday
Flyout Menu
I am so proud to represent Chief Barbara in the Oklahoma Stair Climb 2016. From reading about him he was an outstanding husband, father, leader in the community and the fire service. His life represents the commitment he had to NYC.
– Rusty TuckerOn Saturday, 9/10/2016, I walked the stairs of Lambeau Field in your honor. This was my 1st ever Memorial Walk but it will not be my last. Every year from now on I will be carrying your tag when I walk those stairs. To the family of Chief Barbara I am sorry for you lose of this great man.
– Jeff MekashDear Barbara Family,
– Robyn PhillipsI am the Sr. Occupational Health Nurse for Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, WI. Today I rang the bell and wore Chief Barbara’s photo on a tag on my scrub top to honor this true American Hero. I am proud to have honored him and you, his family. I would love to have known him. We build the fire trucks that protect those who serve. We will continue to put our hearts and souls into these trucks to honor all our fallen firefighters. Thank you for sharing Gerard with us.
I, too, was given the distinct honor to wear Commander Barbara’s badge during the Lambeau stair climb held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI on September 10, 2016. Home of the Green Bay Packers.Thank you Commander for your dedication to your City and your Country. You shall not be forgotten.
– Chris HornickI was honored, humbled, and proud to have walked in your honor during the Lancaster PA 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb this past Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. As I walked with the firefighters, my heart was filled with sadness and also pride. I will continue to carry your badge during all future stair climbs and will be honored to do so for you and your family. You are truly a hero!
– Letty ChueyNEVER FORGET!!!
Our station – MCFR Station 20 B is honoring those fallen 9-11. We are doing 110 pushups each shift and looking up and exploring all those fallen. You are not forgotten….
– victoria BarrerasToday, when we arrived to work, Medcare Ambulance in McAllen, Tx we were given letters in a small care package in remembrance to the firefighters that gave their lives at the WTC. My Hero was Chief Barbara. May he REST IN PEACE. Thank you for your Service Sir.
– JaimeToday, September 9th 2018 I proudly climbed 110 flights of stairs in honor of Assistant Chief Gerard Barbara in the KC 911 Memorial Stair Climb. It’s been great to learn how great of a role model he is. He valued his wife, his kids, his family, his department, and his city. A great man, such an honor to climb for him. God Bless his family! Never forgotten!
– Nathan JohnsonI was honored to climb the stairs in memory of Assistant Chief Gerard Barbara at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin on 09/07/2019. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice. We will never forget!!
– Brooke CruzDear Barbara Family,
On Saturday, 9/7/2019 I had the honor to wear Assistant Chief Barbara’s badge during the 2019 Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. Next year, I am planning on wearing Mr. Barbara’s badge in the 2020 Memorial Stair Climb.
– Esperanza ColioToday, I was honored to be a part of the sold out event in Tucson honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice on 9-11. I am equally proud to have walked for Assistant Deputy Chief Gerard Barbara….. Thank you for what you did on that day and as with others that have posted here, you are not forgotten! God Bless!
– SteveToday, on the 18th anniversary of the attacks on our nation, I wore a picture of Assistant Chief Gerard A. Barbara, Command WTC as I did the CrossFit Hero WOD “9/11Tribute.” Every move I made, he was in my thoughts. It was an honor to represent him during my workout, and I truly thank him and so many others for their service and duty to our country on that day. We will never forget!
– Ryan DavisToday I carried a badge with your husband’s name on it up 110 flights of stairs and moving forward I will always carry a little bit of him in my heart. I can see the kindness in his eyes and I thank him for his sacrifice.
– Chuck20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were courageous and selfless. You are a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget.
– Maria GrecoI was honored to wear Assistant Chief Gerard Barbara’s memorial badge at the 2021 Maritime Museum 9/11 Stair Climb held in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The museum is 11 stories tall and we climbed it 10 times. I am the Fire Chief from a neighboring department and was proud to have represented his memory at the event. NEVER FORGET!
– Richard OlsonI didn’t know Chief Barbara or the depth of his sacrifice and your loss until after I helped you find his name on the memorial fountain in 2015. I remember him every 9/11 anniversary and think about him and our chance encounter often. I hope you and your family are well.
– Rebecca N.A true hero
– Jak MoanGod bless and sending love from Glasgow Scotland
My God so many of my cousin I remember you a long time ago you a great cousin of mine now I’m doing real good I know I miss you so much Gerald Barbara your family must be proud of you just them days of September 11th is going to be so many years you’re gone you always be in my heart my mother and my family all care about you and my friend okay about you too
– Anthony GiordanoMy God so many of my cousin I remember you a long time ago you a great cousin of mine now I’m doing real good I know I miss you so much Gerald Barbara your family must be proud of you just them days of September 11th is going to be so many years you’re gone you always be in my heart my mother and my family all care about you and my friend okay about you too you were the best fire chief in Brooklyn you know your cousin is the first respondent that’s me I work for EMS I was there and I know it feels bad that you’re not around to see us all
– Anthony GiordanoI climbed today with Chief Barbara’s badge. God bless him.
– Kelly TiegsHi Joanne, it’s Pat Britzzalaro from the Buffalo Fire Dept, I think of you and your family often! It was an honor for me the sit with your family at Jerry’s funeral, and it was an honor to assist your son Dr. Paul when we were trying to get him back to the states from school. God Bless and keep all of you, maybe someday we can get together again, I am still working with the BFD
– Patrick BritzzalaroToday (9/17/21) I rode my harley in honor of your husband, through RKMC NC6. Hosted by Carolina Coast Harley Davidson,, Wilmington NC. I’ve been a rider for 9 years and have proudly participated in the 343 Memorial Ride each year, today I received his dog tag. Your husband will not be forgotten nor his and everyone’s heroism. God’s Blessing on you and your family.
– Harley Pam