Former Fire Chief Derr Passes
Dec 12, 2023 06:53PM ● By by Citizen News Staff
Courtesy Cosumnes CSD
Former Elk Grove Fire Chief Gerald Derr, who passed away recently. He was not only a fire chief but served on the board of the Cosumnes Community Services District.
On its Facebook site, Cosumnes Fire Department posted Dec. 10 that one of its former chiefs, Gerald Derr, has passed away. He was 89.
They write: "A pivotal figure in our community, Chief Derr began volunteering with Elk Grove Fire in 1949 when he was 15 years old, following in the footsteps of his father who was also an Elk Grove firefighter."
"He advanced through the ranks, being promoted as assistant chief in 1957 and fire chief in 1969. He also jointly served as the Cosumnes Community Services District General Manager from 1985 to 1992, finishing his service on the Board of Directors for eight years. In 1999, Fire Station 75 was named in his honor, commemorating over five decades of service."
"Chief Derr's legacy is immeasurable, and his impact will be remembered fondly. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Wade."
They write: "A pivotal figure in our community, Chief Derr began volunteering with Elk Grove Fire in 1949 when he was 15 years old, following in the footsteps of his father who was also an Elk Grove firefighter."
"He advanced through the ranks, being promoted as assistant chief in 1957 and fire chief in 1969. He also jointly served as the Cosumnes Community Services District General Manager from 1985 to 1992, finishing his service on the Board of Directors for eight years. In 1999, Fire Station 75 was named in his honor, commemorating over five decades of service."
"Chief Derr's legacy is immeasurable, and his impact will be remembered fondly. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Wade."
