The event honored more than a century of commitment by the department’s volunteer firefighters, while also recognizing the individuals who will lead the organization into its next chapter.
Newly sworn-in officers include Chief Steven Januszkiewicz, Assistant Chief Rudy M. Sunderman, Captain Tarren Kearns, First Lieutenant Ian Arthur, and Second Lieutenants Ryan Peters, Michael R. Malone, and Jennifer Lian.
Together, these leaders oversee a dedicated team that responded to 1,060 alarms over the past year—an average of nearly three calls per day, highlighting the critical role the department plays in protecting the Mastic community.
New York State Senator Dean Murray, who attended the event, praised the department’s efforts.
“It was truly an honor to spend some time with the brave men and women of Mastic Fire Department this evening for their 101st installation dinner,” Murray said. “I truly thank them, and their loved ones, for their tireless efforts to keep the community safe.
”New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano also offered recognition, noting, “Thanks also go out to the department’s commissioners, who keep this century-old organization running.
”The evening recognized the department’s Board of Fire Commissioners, led by Chairman Rudolph Sunderman Sr., along with Vice Chairman Daniel Haase and Commissioners Patrick Greene, Michael Malone, and Rudolph Sunderman Jr., who also serves as secretary.
Treasurer Kaitlin Hennessy was also acknowledged.Members of the Ladies Auxiliary were honored for their ongoing support, as were Explorer Post 512, Fire Police, the Marine Incident Response Team, and the department’s Probationary Training Officers.
Founded in 1925 as the Mastic Chemical Company by 52 local men, the department began with modest equipment and a small, member-built firehouse.
Despite setbacks, including a devastating 1935 fire that destroyed the original headquarters, the organization rebuilt and expanded.
Over the decades, it has responded to major emergencies, from regional wildfires to the response at Ground Zero in 2001.
The celebration served as both a reflection on past accomplishments and a reaffirmation of the department’s enduring mission to serve and protect.