City of Cedar Springs

Jerry Gross (far left) with the cuffed pants.

The volunteer fire service has been a part of Jerry Gross’ life for as long as he can remember.  As a child growing up in Sand Lake, his father was a member of their department and he can remember his dad leaving at all hours to fight fires.  If he was lucky enough and if it was close by, Jerry’s mother would take him and his younger brother to watch his dad.  He would spend time around the station, hoping his dad would let him “help”.  Jerry’s older brother became a member of the department after he returned from a stint in the Navy; Jerry was a member of the Junior Fire Fighters at that time.  The Junior Fire Fighters were made up of the children of the members of the department.  Mostly, they washed trucks and did odd jobs because it felt good to be a part of something their father’s were part of.  In all, it created great memories as well as a belief in, and desire to be part of, fire service. 

Jerry began responding to fire calls when he was 16 years old (obviously there weren’t as many regulations as there are today!)  After taking time off to serve in the Navy, Jerry met and married his wife Barb (nee Anderson) and had a desire to stay in her hometown of Cedar Springs.  Jerry and Barb had three children (unfortunately they lost their first shortly after her birth).  When Jerry’s son Jerry Jr. (aka J.J.) was three years old, he was asked to join the Cedar Springs Fire Department.  Jerry is certain Barb didn’t know what she was getting herself into at that time! It has now been 30 years since Jerry became involved in the CSFD.  Jerry’s children (daughter Lisa and son J.J.) are now members of the CSFD; both of whom spent many hours at the department growing up.