In a community built on volunteerism, few families embody the spirit of service like the Sundermans.
For more than half a century, the Sunderman name has been synonymous with dedication to the Mastic Fire Department and the broader Mastic-Moriches community. What began with one man’s commitment has grown into a multi-generational legacy of firefighters, emergency responders, and auxiliary members—all united by a shared mission to give back.
That legacy began with Rudolph G. Sunderman, who joined the Mastic Fire Department more than 60 years ago. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to become chief and continues today as a commissioner, a role he has held for 37 years. His leadership helped shape not only the department, but also the values that would guide his family for generations.
His son, Rudolph A. Sunderman, followed closely in his footsteps. Inspired as a child by watching his father respond to emergencies, he joined the department in 1987 and now has nearly 40 years of service. He served as chief of the department and also as chief of the Mastic Volunteer Ambulance Company. Beyond the local level, Sunderman has played a major role in fire service leadership, serving as president of the Suffolk County Fire Districts Association, president of the Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs and Fire Districts Association, and as a director of the New York State Fire Districts Association. He also served as a former Suffolk County legislator and currently serves as commissioner of the county’s Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services.
The next generation is already continuing the tradition. His son, Rudolph M. Sunderman, currently serves as assistant chief of the Mastic Fire Department and has about 10 years of service, having also come up through the junior ranks.
The family’s commitment extends across siblings and extended relatives. Anthony Sunderman, Rudolph A.’s brother, has 35 years of service and is a department director. Their sister, Christina Sunderman, is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
The family tree reaches even further into the fire service. Terence Scaffaro, a relative, is an ex-chief and current director with 50 years of service, while William Ponzio, another relative, is a longtime member of nearly 50 years and serves as captain of the Fire Police.
Women in the family have played an equally vital role through the Ladies Auxiliary. Helen Sunderman, wife of Rudolph G., has approximately 30 years of service and is a past president of the auxiliary. Dottie Rosenman, the mother of Rudolph A., has more than 50 years in and is a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Rudolph A. Sunderman’s immediate family continues that tradition. His wife, Laura Sunderman, serves as vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary, having been active for 34 years. Their daughter Megan Sunderman serves as president, Katie Sunderman serves as secretary, and Jennifer Sunderman is a member. Rudy M. Sunderman’s fiancée, Anna Paulette, is also a member.
The extended family remains deeply involved as well. Anthony Sunderman’s wife, Stacy Sunderman, and their daughter, Stephanie Sunderman, are both members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Donna Scaffaro, wife of Terence Scaffaro, is a past president.
Altogether, 18 members of the Sunderman family are actively involved in fire service and auxiliary roles—an extraordinary level of dedication spanning multiple generations.
“We truly enjoy helping the community,” Sunderman said. “Whether it’s responding to alarms, fire prevention, or community events, it’s about giving back.” Recognizing the value of this service, he added, “Thank you to every member of the department, because it is the dedication of the volunteers that helps serve and protect the residents of the community.”
That commitment reflects a broader culture within the Mastic Fire Department, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. As the department moves into its second century, the Sunderman family stands as a powerful example of what sustains volunteer service: a deep-rooted commitment to neighbors, a tradition passed from one generation to the next, and a shared belief in serving something greater than oneself.