From his mother:
Gerard’s most memorable qualities were his competitiveness‚ he liked challenges and saw them as opportunities to overcome and most of the time did just that. His good sense of humor-he possessed a pronounced and contagious laugh. His philosophy in life- he liked to live life to its fullest and his love for this country and sense of duty which he demonstrated every day of his life.
From his father:
At age 18‚ Gerard joined the National Guard; at 27‚ after attending the Military Academy in New Jersey‚ he became a Second Lieutenant in the Reserve and was stationed in Long Island and then in New York City at the 69th Military Infantry. At 30‚ he graduated from the Fire Academy and became a Firefighter.
Gerard loved sports. He was so very good at baseball‚ that his friends called him Reggy after the famous Reggy Jackson.
Gerard was an animal lover. He often carried treats with him to give to dogs that walked past his ladder 9 firehouse in Great Jones Street located in East Greenwich Village in New York City and strangely enough those dogs became to know Gerard and to look for him when he wasn’t around. That is why at the Firehouse‚ they called him ‘Biscuits’‚ because of the biscuits he carried in his pockets to treat his friends. When that catastrophe happened‚ the dog owners cried when they knew Gerard was missing.
Gerard adored kids‚ even though he didn’t have his own yet. He usually was the first to meet them when they visit the firehouse. He made himself joyfully available to respond to the many questions posed by kids about the Firehouse‚ the Fire trucks‚ the ‘rigs’‚ as they call them and all other equipment around.
I would appreciate‚ if possible‚ to put by his name:
‘Serving the people was his calling in life. He was happy as a soldier serving his country. He was also happy as a Firefighter serving his city.’
We still feel the terrible pain and the profound sadness for the loss of our son Gerard. At the same time‚ as a father I have that sense of pride that Gerard knowing of the danger‚ did not hesitate to reach to the highest point to give comfort and show the way out of this inferno to so many people.
Descanse en paz, en el dia de hoy me entere que existio bombero FDNY nativo de Dominicana.
– Julio PeraltaI had the honor to walk a 5K for Gerard this year for the Run for the fallen virtual event 2020.
– Rebecca HullToday I had the honor to walk the stairs in remembrance of FF Gerald Baptisite.
– Sandy CharlesDoor County Fire Department sponsored the event. I was in the stair well on the tenth floor, the walkie talkie said the south tower has collapsed…. what a profound sense of sadness. Please let’s never forget!
Today, on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, I had the great honor of walking in memory of Gerard Baptiste at the Stair Climb in Colorado at Red Rocks. I wore the badge with his name and picture with pride – so very grateful for the sacrifices he and so many others made on that day. Gerard will not be forgotten.
– Alicia Pawlowski20 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 GrecoA little late, but this is my first year as a FF/EMT. I got to the do the 9/11 climb in Las Vegas. I got the honor to carry him up. Rest easy brother, we can take it from here.
– TsaiHello to Gerard’s parents. I wrote the memorial card for the Heroes card project in 2001 and met you in NY. My own youngest son grew up to become a Firefighter. Tragically, he was killed by a reckless driver 28 months ago. I think of you often. Please get in touch if you wish.
– Marcia MehaffeyMarcia Mehaffey
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten. We have the watch.
– David KesslerAt the 21st Anniversary, 9/11/22 at the Red Rocks, Colorado stair climb I was honored to wear the photo badge of Gerard. His smile infectious. I read his background story and words from his mother and dad. What a beautiful man.and a tragic loss for all of us. We will never forget you and your brave comrades.
– Jack LopezWas honored to do a memorial stair climb in Knoxville with Gerard on my chest today. His memory will live on with me forever.
– Patrick VergonaAs a 5 year old tourist from Alabama my mom and I stopped by the fire station (my dad is a retired FF after over 25 years and currently one at the time so we always visited fire stations wherever we went) and got the pleasure of talking with Gerard and getting our picture made with him two months before 9/11. What a nice guy. His memory lives on even as far as Alabama as I always have something to say about him on this sad day. RIP Gerard Baptiste.
– CalebI was in Green Bay, Wisconsin with family and friends to remember our fallen heroes. “We climb because they climbed” we climbed the steps of Lambeau field and were given firefighters names. I had your son, Gerard. I am touched by reading a little bit about him. He seems like such a wonderful person and you should be so very proud!! His name is mentioned (again!❤️) and I will “never forget” . Eternal hugs!
– Ann EnglandToday at Ramstein Air Base Germany I had the honor of wearing Gerard’s photo and name on a lanyard during the 9/11 memorial.
– Regina PantingGerard, on this solemn day, we honor you for your selfless service and ultimate sacrifice. I miss you, my friend and brother-in-arms.
– MAJ Michael Esola (U.S. Army, Retired)I work for LACOFD and participated in the Nashville stair climb over the weekend. It was an honor climbing for Gerard! I loved reading his story just prior to climbing. I’m a dog lover myself and we have a husky that comes to one of our stations begging for treats. Again it was an honor climbing for you biscuits!
– BryanIt was my honor to carry your name 9 stories to the top of our control tower here at MacDill AFB. I was in the fifth grade on that day, and made it home before the two towers fell. I’ll never forget the sight of those who made it out alive. Thank you for your sacrifice, it’s the reason I wear a uniform today. You will not be forgotten!
– Capt Garrison FogtmanI had the honor of climbing for Gerald Baptiste. I climbed all 110 stories at The Kansas City Chiefs stadium with a ruck of 20 lbs. I cried reading his story and how scary that had to be. I never knew him personally, but was so grateful to honor him. I can’t upload a picture on here but I climbed the whole thing with his picture hanging from my neck. I did it with my workout group Lexi J Wellness. We raised so much money for the SAFE program in Missouri that provides money for first responders families when they are hurt in the line of fire. My prayers go out to his family & friends.
– Keely Brockmeyer