Two-Story Log House Destroyed

On December 5, 1969 at 11:58 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire in Huckleberryland. A defective heating system started a blaze that destroyed an occupied 2-story log house. Water was drafted from a nearby pond to extinguish the stubborn blaze. The house was destroyed and a family of eight was displaced. Firefighters were on the scene over four hours. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 and 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company extinguished the fire.

Earlier in the morning the Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies extinguished grass fire on the Mainsville Road.

December 5, 2004 Jackson Gerhart, 65, died of his injuries at 5:17 p.m. at York Hospital. Jackson was injured on November 30 while helping the Chambersburg Fire Department at the scene of a house fire. Jackson was surrounded by his family and friends in his final hours.

Jackson had dedicated his life to the fire service having started his career as a volunteer with the Junior Hook and Ladder Company in Chambersburg. Jack was employed by the Chambersburg Fire Department for about two years before being hired in Washington, D.C. as a fireman where he worked for 32 years (most as the driver on 17 engine) before retiring in 1994. While in D.C. Jack was the secretary of IAFF Local 36 for 17 years.

While living in Maryland Jack was active with the Mt. Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department serving as Assistant Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. After retirement Jackson returned to Shippensburg where he was an active volunteer with the West End Fire and Rescue Company and the Cumberland Valley Hose Company.

Jackson was a member of many other volunteer fire companies in the area including a life member of the Fayetteville, Pleasant Hall, Metal Township, West End Fire and Rescue and New Franklin Volunteer Fire Companies.

Jackson had a major impact on the careers of many young firefighters in the area, assisting them in getting career jobs and mentoring. Jack loved to help people and assisted numerous fire companies in getting started or anything else they needed. He was also very active in his church and delivered meals on wheels.

Jackson was well known for his large collection of fire toys. He loved photographing fire apparatus and assisted in numerous publications and books.

On a personal note Fireman Jack was my best friend and mentor and I miss him very much, he left a void that I can never replace. I still feel like I should call him every time I purchase a new toy just to hear him say “I know I got mine yesterday”. God Bless Jackson and save a seat for me in your new firehouse.

This same post was made last year and will be made every year on this date as long as the blog is up and running.