YOU'RE NEVER FORGOTTEN Gerald George Vincent, Jr. April 22, 1967 - December 9, 2013 Gerald, aka "Jr.", was born in Kailua, Hawaii and moved to Rohnert Park, CA in 1973 with his family. He attended John Reed Elementary School, Rohnert Park Jr. High School and graduated Rancho Cotate High School in 1985. While attending Rohnert Park Jr. High School, Gerald was intrigued by watching Rohnert Park Public Safety Larry Jones "Officer Friendly" on patrol. The memory of Officer Friendly cruising around inspired Gerald to apply for a position at the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. Gerald was hired as a Community Service Officer in 1987 and eventually enrolled in the Police Academy at the Santa Rosa Junior College, which lead to a position as a Public Safety Officer. Gerald served not only as a Public Safety Officer but also as a Firefighter. Throughout Gerald's career he had various specialty assignments. These assignments included Traffic division, Motor officer, Hazmat, Narcotics, Major Accident Investigation Team. Being born and raised in Hawaii, family was not just by blood, family "Ohana"was everyone he came into contact with. Gerald loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping (especially with his Coors Light in hand), attending the speedway races, listening to country music (his favorite Kenny Chesney), Harley motorcycles, fast cars, traveling, and cooking. The need for speed and excitement was in his blood. His favorite sports teams were the L.A. Dodgers (baseball) and Chicago Bears (football). More importantly, the guy who pulled up beside you in Rohnert Park on his police motorcycle and gave you a nod instead of a ticket - that was who Gerald was. He had a passion for everything he did. Gerald was diagnosed with Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone cell transplant. His final message to everyone was: "take that second and smell the air and listen to the trees blow in the wind. Appreciate what you have and tell that person you don't know hello. Have a good day. There may not be many days left so enjoy them. I'll survive and party like a country star."Gerald fought hard and never gave up but unfortunately on December 9, 2013 he lost his battle. His Family, the citizens of Rohnert Park, and the Rohnert Park Public Safety Department take this day on December 9th to remember Gerald and celebrate his life, "THANK YOU GERALD" for all you have done. A year ago we all lost a wonderful person who will surely be missed by everyone he came into contact with and touched. May you Rest in Peace Gerald.