In a heartfelt ceremony celebrating selflessness and community spirit, longtime public servant and firefighter Joe DeStefano was inducted into the Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame. The event, themed the “Year of the Volunteer,” recognized individuals who have made an enduring impact through decades of community service.
“I never imagined, when I was walking these halls as a student, that one day I’d be part of the Hall of Fame,” DeStefano told attendees, reflecting on his journey from a student to a four-term member of the New York State Assembly.
A 1978 Pat-Med grad, DeStefano’s path to public service began in 1980 when he joined the Medford Fire Department. For more than four decades, he has answered emergency calls—both as a firefighter and with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance—and rose through the ranks to serve in leadership positions, including Fire Police Lieutenant, Department President, and Fire District Commissioner, a role he has held for 28 years.
Throughout his career, DeStefano’s commitment to community never wavered. He spent 27 years with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office as a Public Safety Communication Supervisor and served as unit president of the Sheriff’s/Probation Civilian Unit within the Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees, representing over 200 members.
His service expanded across numerous fire and civic associations at the county and state level, earning him the title of Commissioner of the Year by the Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association in 2017. He also held key positions with the Brookhaven Town Fire Districts Association and the New York State Association of Fire Districts.
Since serving residents of central Brookhaven as a State Assemblyman since 2018, DeStefano is known for his advocacy on public safety, tax relief, and community development. He continues to support firefighters, law enforcement, veterans, and working families across his district, which includes Bellport, Medford, Shirley, Yaphank, and surrounding areas.
DeStefano credited his success to “a desire to help people” and expressed hope that the students who helped organize the event would be inspired to contribute to their communities. “We hope the students who worked so diligently on this event will be inspired to give back in extraordinary ways that align with their talents and gifts,” he said.
He concluded his remarks with humility and gratitude: “Thank you again for this honor. I’m proud to be a Pat-Med grad—and even more proud to be a member of the Hall of Fame.”