Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department

10/06/2026

It is with sadness that the Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Mary “Yiayia” Elefterakis, a longtime supporter of our department and mother of the late Dr. John Elefterakis, our former Medical Director.

We are grateful for Mary’s many many years of support and remember the special connection the Elefterakis family has and continues to have with our department and the Gerritsen Beach community.

On behalf of the officers and members of GBFD, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Elefterakis family and all who knew and loved her. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

09/14/2026

Who's ready? ...
Radio Bingo is back!
Reserve your seats today!

09/12/2026

Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of September 11. Today is worth remembering too.

Twenty-five years ago today, our members went to FDNY’s 10/10 House to help with search, rescue, and recovery at Ground Zero. They stayed until Friday morning. Our department continued sending ambulance crews to help with the recovery operation in the months that followed.

The day before, Chief Artie DeMello called our department into action. Chief DeMello, Captain Joe Benecke, and our Engine 1 crew covered FDNY Engine 321’s quarters, while other members kept an additional ambulance ready here for the neighborhood. Assistant Chief John Czap and Captain Doreen Garson responded to Battery Park to help with triage.

From the members heading into Manhattan to those staffing our apparatus and answering the phones, everyone had a job to do. Our city needed help, and our Vollies stepped up alongside so many others.

We remember everyone we lost, their families, and those still living with the effects of that day. We also owe a thank you to the people who answered the call then and those who continue to answer it today.

Well done to the Matthews Council of the Knights of Columbus for keeping this remembrance going year after year. Thank you for making sure our neighborhood continues to come together and remember.

Never Forget. On September 11, September 12, and every day after.

09/08/2026

🎒 GETTING READY FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT PS 277 🎒

With the first day of school coming up this Thursday, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department wishes all PS 277 students, families, teachers, and staff a safe and successful start!

Gerritsen Avenue will be busy Thursday morning, so please slow down, stay alert, and give yourself extra time.

🛑 SCHOOL BUSES
Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop sign is extended. It is dangerous and illegal.

🚸 CROSSWALKS
Drivers must STOP for pedestrians in marked crosswalks—even where there is no traffic signal. Please use extra caution at the enhanced crossings at Devon, Everett, Gotham, Bartlett, Cyrus, and Lois. Pedestrians should look both ways, make eye contact when possible, and cross only after vehicles have stopped. Failure to stop can result in a summons, points on your license, and significant fines.

🚫 IN FRONT OF PS 277
The area is a NO STANDING ZONE from 7 AM to 4 PM on school days. Keep it clear so children, buses, and school traffic can move safely.

🌞 If you can, enjoy the good weather by walking to school, or park a short distance away and walk the rest. This helps reduce congestion around the school.

⚽ With more children and families heading to the fields, please stay alert and avoid double parking—it creates dangerous blind spots for drivers and pedestrians.

Let’s work together to make Thursday’s first day—and the entire school year—safe and successful for everyone. Welcome back, PS 277! Have a wonderful school year!

Photo: “P.S. 277 Sign” by SliceofNYC, via Flickr, licensed CC BY 2.0:
20158323@N04/1971185148/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/20158323@N04/1971185148/

07/10/2026

NEIGHBORS WANTED

More than 2,000 hours a year can be spent behind a screen.

At the same time, fewer people are volunteering, joining civic organizations, and becoming involved in their communities.

What could even a small portion of those 2,000 hours do for your neighborhood?

Join the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department.

Learn practical, hands-on skills. Receive training in firefighting, emergency medical services, communications, and emergency response. Build confidence, serve your neighbors, and become more involved in the community you call home.

No experience is necessary. We provide the training. You provide the willingness to learn, participate, and show up.

Eligible members may also qualify for New York State training stipends and the volunteer firefighter tax credit.

We have always been here for Gerritsen Beach. Now, be here with us.

Get out from behind the screen.
Learn a skill. Serve your community. Do better.

Visit www.gbfd.net to learn more.

Welcome to the Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Founded in 1922, we're the only volunteer fire department in Brooklyn, New York. Join our dedicated volunteers! Please support the safety and well-being of our community through your donations. Serving Gerrittsen Beach for over 100 years.

07/03/2026

Fourth of July Safety Reminder

As we head into Fourth of July weekend, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is asking everyone to celebrate safely, look out for one another, and help keep our neighborhood protected.

The Fourth of July is a busy night in Gerritsen Beach. With more people outside, more traffic, and fireworks in the area, please use good judgment and keep emergency access open.

Keep fireworks away from dry brush, fields, homes, vehicles, crowds, and public property. One firework can quickly cause a fire, injury, or damage.

Last year, GBFD responded to fireworks-related injuries in the neighborhood, including walk-in injuries at the firehouse. We also experienced a delayed response when access on the Avenue was blocked during a fireworks display near a local business.

Please help us avoid that this year.

The Avenue is everyone’s main route through the neighborhood, including emergency vehicles. It needs to remain clear.

Parents, please speak with your children before the weekend. Remind them to stay away from fireworks, dry brush, fields, and anyone’s property. A few minutes of fun can quickly turn into an emergency.

Our community, our members, and our neighborhood deserve respect, safety, and support.

If you see active fire, smoke, dangerous fireworks use, vandalism, blocked emergency access, or anyone in danger, call us 718-332-3333. Do not put yourself in danger by confronting a large group.

Let’s work together to get through the Fourth of July safely, without fires or injuries.

Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department

07/01/2026

Narcan & Fentanyl Test Strips Available

As we enter our third year operating as a registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department remains committed to making Narcan and fentanyl test strips available to our community.

We will be distributing Narcan and fentanyl test strips to local businesses throughout the neighborhood. Our goal is simple: make Narcan visible, accessible, and available before it is needed.

We would also like to recognize Michael Elefterakis, who continues to help lead the day-to-day coordination of this program as our Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator.

Community members can also stop by the firehouse at 52 Seba Avenue. When members are present, we will provide Narcan and fentanyl test strips free of charge.

We will also be announcing community distribution events soon.

Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. You do not need to be a medical provider to carry it or use it.

If you see a suspected overdose:

Call for help.
Give Narcan if available.
Stay until help arrives.

New York’s Good Samaritan Law provides protections when calling for help during an overdose emergency.

For a suspected overdose or life-threatening emergency, call 911 first. You may also call the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department emergency number at 718-332-3333.

For Narcan or fentanyl test strips, stop by the firehouse or message the department.

06/27/2026

Ready for our GBVFD Raffle Night fundraiser tonight! Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of USA with Patriotic Pride!

06/23/2026

Today, June 23, 2026, is Primary Election Day.

If your polling location is the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department Memorial Hall, the Hall will be open throughout the day for voting. If you do not vote at the Hall, your polling location is likely PS 277.

Polls are open until 9:00 PM, so there is still plenty of time to make your voice heard and cast your ballot.

We look forward to seeing our neighbors throughout the day.

06/10/2026

Heat is going to be a real concern over the next few days.

If you have an older neighbor, a family member without AC, or someone you know who may not ask for help, please check on them. A quick call or knock on the door matters. Make sure they are cooling off, drinking water, and not sitting in a hot house with just a fan.

The Library on the Avenue is a cooling center, if needed and closes at 6pm

Facts from NYC DOHMH:

New York City is under a heat advisory Thursday and Friday, with heat index values expected to reach at least 95°F.

Air conditioning is the most effective protection during a heat wave.

Fans alone may not provide enough cooling in these conditions.

People are most at risk inside homes without air conditioning or where AC is not being used.

Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, diabetes, limited mobility, or those who are socially isolated are at higher risk.

If someone in Gerritsen Beach needs help, call GBFD at 718-332-3333.