There are many within the department who are grateful for Gerber's choice, including Alliger, who was Gerber's supervisor at the Elkridge station.
Alliger, 36, of Bel Air, said Gerber was always on the move at the station - checking equipment, cooking for his co-workers or taking inventory. He never tired.
But Alliger added that there was also a fun side to match Gerber's diligence, saying that he was "one of the lead pranksters" in the station, keeping the firefighters on their toes with air horns in the bunkhouse at night and other tricks.
"You never wanted to turn your back on him," Alliger said. "You never knew what was coming."
Alliger said Gerber was also "a good example and a mentor" to new members, and that his presence at the station is missed.
"It's our loss and his gain," Alliger said. "Somebody like him doesn't come along every day."
Gerber's wife of four years, Jen, 30, said she doesn't mind her husband's busy schedule. Her father is a firefighter, and she "kind of knew what" she "was getting into."
But "sometimes it's nice to have a break," she said of the days Gerber is working. "When we have too many days off together, we're pulling our hair out."
Outside of the department, Gerber describes himself as a "family man," a title that will become more salient in mid-June, when the Gerbers are expecting their first child, a baby girl.
Gerber said he expects to be home more when that day comes, but his wife is not convinced.
"I mean, he loves the fire department," she said.
emily.groves@baltsun.com
