Description Memorial button created in memory of Gerard A. Barbara. The button includes a photograph of Gerard in a Yankees baseball cap and printed text: "Chief Jerry Barbara Nite | 4th Annual Staten Island Yankees."
Historical Notes Born in Brooklyn, Gerard Barbara lived on Staten Island with his wife, Joanne. The couple had two grown children. With a firefighting career spanning 31 years, on September 11, Gerard was serving as Assistant Chief of Department and Citywide Tour Commander. That morning, Assistant Chief Barbara responded from FDNY headquarters, subsequently assisting command outside the South Tower. He was 53 years old.
Curator's Comment Chief Barbara was an avid New York Yankees fan and a Staten Island resident. Every year since 9/11, Gerard's family hosts a memorial event at a minor league Staten Island Yankees game in his honor. This button was worn by family members at an annual Chief Jerry Barbara Nite event. HIDE