Supporters of Assemblyman Joe DeStefano turned out for a fundraiser in his honor to make sure this long-serving community representative knew they have his back.
“Last night was my fundraiser at Sunset Harbor's Tiki Bar with some awesome people,” DeStefano said in a post following the event. “I want to thank everyone who made this night possible; my staff, family, friends, all of my sponsors. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.”
Fighting for quality-of-life issues in Albany, lower taxes, safer communities, DeStefano exclaimed, “I do it all for you,” adding, “Remember, we can't do what we do in Albany without the local elected officials that we have right now. Let's keep the legislature together and stay in the majority locally at least.”
The Assemblyman was referring to the local leaders at his event: state Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, and Manny Vilar, a long-time member of the New York Park Police who is running for the Suffolk Legislature. They join Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, a county executive candidate, Councilman Dan Panico who is running to succeed him, and other GOP officials.
“I wish I could have spent more time talking with each and every one of you because I truly appreciate your support and I do all of this for you,” DeStefano told the family, friends, and neighbors at his event. “As long as you keep electing me, I'm not leaving. I continue to do what I do because I love advocating for my community. Thank you, once again, for your continued support.”
Also in the house was Jimmy Vaughn, a former member of the South Country School Board, and Frank DeNatale, recently elected Grand Knight of the James V. Kavanaugh Knights of Columbus Council 5293 in Mastic.
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He was a Public Safety Communication Supervisor in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the dispatchers as well as supervised radio communications and other vital functions for 27 years. Enjoying widespread support from the working men and women of his district, he was the Unit President of the Sheriff’s/Probation Civilian Unit, representing more than 200 Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees members.
The Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association named Joe “Commissioner of the Year” in 2017 and over the years, he’s held numerous other roles, including Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association Secretary and Treasurer, Brookhaven Town Fire Districts President, and Regional Director, Secretary, and Treasurer of the New York State Association of Fire Districts.
Joe’s a 1978 graduate of Patchogue/Medford High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from Suffolk Community College. He is a long-time member of the Medford Civic Association and the Medford Chamber of Commerce. He was the district manager of the Riverhead Fire District and is a life member of both the Medford Fire Department and Ambulance company.
He will be seeking his third term next year when the President is up, along with Congress and state officials.