For the first time in history, firefighters from Suffolk are serving as the leaders of all three statewide fire associations.
Eugene Perry of Patchogue is the president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York; Anthony LaFerrera of North Babylon is president of the York State Association of Fire Chiefs; and West Islip’s Joseph Badala heads the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York
“These associations represent the brave men and women who make up the volunteer firefighting force that protects our communities,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “Without these volunteers and the dedicated individuals who lead them, New York would be an entirely different place. We are very proud of the leaders who have stepped up from our county to head these statewide organizations.”
According to state Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, a Medford Fire Commissioner who’s also held leadership roles with the state Association of Fire Districts, these top positions are the pinnacle of volunteer service in New York. “It takes extraordinary commitment and dedication to lead these organizations. Our county is fortunate to have these devoted leaders representing us.”
Eugene Perry has been in fire services for over 45 years, mainly with the Patchogue Fire Department. He has been involved with the state Firefighters Association since 2002, taking on various leadership roles before being elected president for the 2024–2026 term. Perry is deeply committed to supporting volunteer firefighters, having previously led the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Southern New York Volunteer Firefighters Association.
In his role at FASNY, Perry has focused on advocacy for volunteer fire departments, particularly regarding proposed OSHA regulations that he believes may impose excessive financial and operational burdens on smaller, volunteer-based departments. He has argued for standards that ensure safety while being feasible for volunteers, highlighting the importance of balancing necessary training with affordability for local departments. Perry also promotes public safety education, emphasizing the role of smoke alarms and fire prevention awareness across communities in New York.
Under Perry’s leadership, FASNY continues to support legislative advocacy, training, and educational efforts to improve safety and resource accessibility for New York’s volunteer firefighters.
Anthony LaFerrera began his fire service career with the North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company in March 1979. Assigned to Station #2, LaFerrera moved through the ranks of line officer and served as captain from 1986-1989. He was elected 3rd assistant chief in 1990 and chief in 1994 and 1995. LaFerrera is also a past president and still serves as secretary of the fire company. Additionally, he is a past president of the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association, the Town of Babylon Fire Officials Association, and the Fire Chiefs’ Council of Suffolk County. LaFerrera has served on the Suffolk County Fire and Rescue Services Commission since 2003. He is also a retired FDNY EMS lieutenant.
President LaFerrera has been a member of NYSAFC since 1990 and served on the Communications Committee, the Annual Conference Committee Administration Sub-Committee assisting in registration at the Annual Conference & FIRE Expo, and the Volunteer Chiefs Committee. He has been a director since 2016 and served as second vice president and first vice president.
As president of the Association of Fire Districts, Joseph Badala advocates for New York’s fire departments, focusing on strengthening fire services and improving support for first responders. Recently, he highlighted the importance of the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, a state initiative to support volunteer fire departments with essential equipment and facility upgrades. Badala emphasized how this funding enhances service capabilities, particularly in rural areas facing budget constraints, and praised state leaders for recognizing the vital needs of fire districts in New York.
Badala is a Fire Service Professional with 24 Years of experience. He’s been the District Manager for the North Patchogue Fire District for nearly 10 years and has served as Fire Commissioner with the West Islip District for the last 13 years. He is also the Deputy Chief Fire Coordinator with Suffolk County Fire Rescue.
The AFDSNY collaborates with various organizations to advance fire service policies and address challenges, especially those affecting rural and volunteer-based fire services. Badala’s leadership has helped AFDSNY address both financial and operational needs within the fire service community statewide, advocating for improved safety and response capabilities for firefighters and the communities they serve.