During his decades long career as a lifeguard in charge of several public beaches in Rogers Park, Jerry Gavin — known affectionately as “Uncle Jerry” — inspired dozens of high school and college kids working summer jobs to ultimately pursue a life in public service.

“I absolutely 100% fell in love with being a first responder because of of Uncle Jerry,” said Peggy Benz, a Chicago police officer and former lifeguard.

“He’d say ‘No rescue is perfect but you doing what you do, and having the heart you do, you’re going to get it done,” she recalled.

Mr. Gavin had a tough, fair and loving management style that allowed mistakes to become life lessons.

Benz said one such occasion arose when, after receiving a promotion, she was about to stick a young lifeguard under her charge with an unwante

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