The volunteers of the Mastic Beach Fire Department were honored at an awards dinner celebrating the organization’s 93rd year of protecting the community.
Sworn in were the department’s leaders for 2026 in a ceremony at Giorgio’s Baiting Hollow that singled out achievements during the 607 alarms the volunteers responded to last year.
The leadership team includes Chief Jason Sharp, 1st Assistant Chief Kevin Wittmann, 1st Lieutenant Anthony Weiss, 2nd Lieutenant Vincent Guarino Jr., Secretary Kevin Barrett, Treasurer Mark Butler, and Sgt. at Arms Carlo Grover.
The Firefighter of the Year award went to Vincent Guarino Jr., who was honored along with his grandfather, Joseph Guarino, and his father, Vincent Guarino Sr. Together, the three generations represent nearly 100 years of service to the community.
George Schuck received Driver of the Year honors, while outgoing Chief Luis Grego received one of the loudest ovations of the evening in recognition of his five years of leadership and service to the department. Firefighter Ed Masiello was also recognized for responding to 87.5 percent of the department’s calls during the year. The team involved in the dramatic rescue of a distressed swimmer off Smith Point last June also received recognition.
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, himself a longtime volunteer firefighter, praised the dedication of the community members who serve their neighbors around the clock.
“These men and women leave their homes and families at all hours of the day and night to protect complete strangers,” DeStefano said. “Volunteer firefighters represent the very best of our communities. Their dedication, sacrifice, and willingness to serve are something we should never take for granted.”