For over a decade, firefighter Tom Tiedemann has rushed into danger to help others. Now, his brothers and sisters at the Mastic Beach Fire Department are rallying to support him in his greatest personal battle: a fight against pancreatic cancer.
On August 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., the department is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at its headquarters on Neighborhood Road. The community event will include a 50/50 raffle, prize drawings, and dinner for a $10 admission fee. All proceeds will help Tom and his wife, Melissa, cover medical expenses as he undergoes treatment.
“For 10 years, Tom has been there for this community—day or night, rain or shine,” said Bill Biondi, Mastic Beach Fire Commissioner. “He’s the kind of guy who never hesitated to step up when someone needed help. Now it’s our turn to be there for him.”
Tiedemann, a respected member of the department’s SCUBA Rescue Team, has earned the admiration of fellow firefighters and residents alike.
“Tom’s bravery goes beyond the fireground. He’s facing this diagnosis with unbelievable strength,” Biondi added. “He’s not just a firefighter. He’s a friend, a husband, and a role model. The least we can do is show him the same kind of dedication he’s shown us for the past decade.”
Community members who can’t attend the dinner are encouraged to donate through the Tom & Melissa Tiedemann GoFundMe page or by contacting the fire department directly at MBFDchiefs@gmail.com.
“No one fights alone, not in our department,” Biondi said. “We’re inviting the entire community to join us, not only for a plate of pasta, but to show the Tiedemanns that we’ve got their back.”