A familiar face in emergency services across Suffolk, Mastic Fire Chief Steve Januszkiewicz has been named a 2026 EMS Professional of the Year by Legislator Jim Mazzarella during a special ceremony in Hauppauge.
A lifelong Suffolk County resident and graduate of William Floyd High School, Januszkiewicz has spent more than 30 years serving the community through emergency medical services, firefighting and emergency management. His commitment to public service began in 1990 when he joined the Mastic Junior Fire Department, launching a career that has touched countless lives throughout the region.
Today, Januszkiewicz serves as Chief of the Mastic Fire Department while continuing to play a significant role in countywide emergency preparedness and response efforts.
“Thank you to Legislator Jim Mazzarella for this incredible acknowledgement and award,” Januszkiewicz said. “I appreciate you and the entire Suffolk County Legislature for the wonderful accolades.” He also received a certificate of appreciation from County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, and County Clerk Vincent Puleo, a longtime emergency services volunteer himself in the Nesconset Fire District.
Over the course of his career, Januszkiewicz has worked as both a volunteer and career paramedic with numerous agencies across Suffolk County. He has also held several leadership positions within Suffolk County Fire Rescue Emergency Services, helping shape the next generation of emergency responders.
As Training Coordinator for the FRES EMS Division, Januszkiewicz has been responsible for training and preparing countless EMS professionals for the challenges they face in the field. He also serves as Deputy Director of Emergency Management, a role that became particularly critical during Suffolk County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Steve Januszkiewicz exemplifies what it means to serve with dedication, professionalism and compassion,” Mazzarella said. “For more than 30 years, he has answered the call time and time again, whether responding to emergencies, mentoring future EMS providers or helping lead our county through times of crisis.”
Mazzarella said it was an honor to recognize Januszkiewicz for his contributions to the community and the emergency services profession.
Widely respected throughout the emergency services community, Januszkiewicz is known for his leadership, commitment to patient care and dedication to mentoring future EMS providers. His influence extends far beyond emergency scenes, leaving a lasting impact on both the residents he serves and the first responders he has trained throughout his distinguished career.