The Suffolk County Fire District Officers Association honored Assemblyman Joe DeStefano as Commissioneru of the Year during the organization’s annual meeting and installation brunch held at East Wind in Wading River.
DeStefano, who recently concluded a distinguished 30-year tenure as a commissioner in the Medford Fire District, is the only individual to receive the honor twice. He was the first-ever recipient of the award when it was introduced in 2016 and was selected again for 2025 in recognition of his decades of leadership and service to the fire service community.
Association President Scott Thebold presented the award, noting DeStefano’s long record of commitment to volunteer firefighting and emergency services across Suffolk County. DeStefano currently serves as treasurer of the Fire District Officers Association and has held numerous leadership roles within the regional and statewide fire service community.
Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, who also serves as state director of the association and is a commissioner with the Nesconset Fire District, was likewise recognized as Commissioner of the Year for 2025.
During the ceremony, DeStefano was presented with a proclamation signed by members of the Suffolk County Assembly Minority delegation, including Assemblymen Doug Smith, Mike Durso, Keith Brown, Jarett Gandolfo, Mike Fitzpatrick and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne were also in attendance to recognize DeStefano’s long career in public safety and public service.
DeStefano joined the Medford Fire Department at age 19 and went on to spend more than four decades as a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder. During his 30 years as commissioner, including five terms as chairman of the board, the district completed major capital improvements, including construction of a new main firehouse and renovations to two satellite stations.
Under his leadership, the district modernized its apparatus fleet and expanded benefits aimed at helping recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.
The ceremony also included presentation of the President’s Award to Tim Edwards of Fire News and Kathryn Machtel, secretary-treasurer of the North Patchogue Fire District.