Gerard (Jerry) J. Raab (Part-Time Officer)
In 2011, I started my career with Chautauqua Institution as a Security Officer. After a few years moving to Security Supervisor, then stepped down to part-time in order to pursue another opportunity.
I started my career as a first responder in the early 1970s, since then I have worked in many positions as a first responder as well as with several different departments throughout New York State. For 9 years I worked with the City of Long Beach Police Department as a Special Officer. In 1980 I passed the test to be a New York City Fireman, but was unable to keep the appointment due to an on the job injury, I was unable to keep the appointment. At that time I was also working with the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department as a dispatcher, where I was also a volunteer firefighter.
When I first moved to this area in 1992, I lived in Sugar Grove, PA and had the opportunity to join their department. Fire fighting in a rural area was certainly an eye-opener. Since then I have moved back to New York State and became a member of Fluvanna Fire Department. I have had the opportunity to hold several different positions during my tenure with Fluvanna Fire Department, including Chief of the department more than once. Between my professional and volunteer careers, I have had 45 years of experience in the fire service. I am also proud to be a certified hands-on fire instructor with the New York State Fire Chiefs Association as well as a member.