Gerald "Gary" Allen Menard

Gary was born on August 19, 1970, in Burlington, Vermont, to Nancy and Pete. He graduated from Mt. Abraham Union High School in 1988 and later attended Columbia Southern University, where he earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science.

Gary built a distinguished career in public service, ultimately rising to the rank of Captain with the Decatur Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Gary was deeply committed to serving and protecting his community—not just in emergencies, but through education, outreach, and compassion. As Captain, he managed all of the department’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) programs, including Car Seat Safety and grant funding, Opioid Awareness and Narcan training, CPR instruction, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordination, Senior Fall Prevention, and the city’s Implicit Bias and Emotional Intelligence training. He also spearheaded life-saving programs such as Stop the Bleed and helped foster connection and healing through innovative efforts like the Happiness Café.

Gary was instrumental in shaping Fire Prevention Awareness efforts across Decatur—leading school programs, organizing station tours, and ensuring that public safety information reached every corner of the community. In addition to his role as a leader in outreach, Gary served as the department’s Health and Safety Officer, Injury Prevention Officer, Compliance Manager, and oversaw all community partnerships and Fire’s social media communications.

His service extended well beyond the fire station. Gary was a dedicated member of numerous boards, committees, and advocacy teams, including the Child Passenger Safety Advisory Board, the Decatur Inclusion & Equity Team, the Region Three Trauma Advisory Board, the Decatur Wellness Team, and the Agnes Scott Climate Resilience Committee. He was an instructor with Women in Fire, United in Service, and actively supported initiatives for the unhoused population. He also coordinated community blood drives and played a leading role in the city’s Climate Change Resiliency planning.

Gary was the recipient of awards including the Thomas O. Davis Public Service Award in 2022 and the 9/11 Remembrance Award in 2018.

Gary was always a creative type. He loved writing, reading, and both making and enjoying music. Gary’s writing in his younger years earned him an invitation to the New England Young Writer’s Conference in Breadloaf, VT.

Gary’s sense of humor was unparalleled; with a sharp wit, many remember Gary with a big smile and an infectious laugh. As he grew older, he became an exceptionally giving and empathetic man. Those who knew him remember someone who never turned away from a person or animal in need.

Whether it was rescuing kittens from storm drains, freeing birds tangled in spider webs, or creating a quiet space in his office to listen to a fellow firefighter’s struggles, Gary consistently showed what it means to act with compassion and integrity.

He carried a deep awareness of the world’s challenges, and while that often weighed on him, it also fueled his commitment to doing good, however and whenever he could. His actions spoke for his values, and he worked every day to leave things better than he found them.

Gary is survived by his children: Chynah Rae Boise, Kaylie Alexa Menard, and Sascha Marino; his grandchildren: Loki James Menard-Stevenson and Ronin Isaac Russell; his sisters: Lori (Menard) Abbott, Lisa Menard, and Lucy Menard; his niece and nephews: Ryan Abbott, Tyler Abbott, Oliver Menard, Whitney Menard, and Chase Stokes; his father, Pete Menard; and his Decatur Fire Department family.

He is also survived by Erin See, with whom he shared many cherished years, their two beautiful dogs, Annie and Beebs, and their cat, Ren.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Menard.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on 10/30/2025 at 5:30pm at the Marriott Courtyard Atlanta Decatur Conference Center, 130 Clairmont Avenue, Decatur GA 30030.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal sanctuary or children’s organization in Gary’s memory.

The family would like to thank the city of Decatur, the Decatur Fire Department, and everyone who has reached out following Gary’s passing for their support and compassion.