Legislators from Each District Chose First Responder to Be Recognized
A group of dedicated firefighters and emergency services (EMS) personnel were recognized for their efforts and achievements as each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at the September 4 general meeting in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building.
The Legislature, with this ceremony, marked specific contributions that the individual honorees in 18 Legislative Districts made to the public safety and health of our communities. These men and women exemplify the talent, dedication, and caring for fellow residents defined by the thousands more volunteers who use their talents on our behalf, especially in the face of danger and disaster. Suffolk County is home to nearly 11,000 volunteer firefighters and more than 3,200 emergency services personnel. In total, these intrepid responders with a variety of skills and vital experience answered 215,343 calls in 2023 alone. Year to date, 2024 has seen a 12% increase in fire and EMS calls.
On the day of the recent storm, there was a nearly 40% increase in calls over the average that Sunday, with 1,221 calls coming in just a 24-hour period.
“Each fire or emergency demonstrates not only a need for attention to physical infrastructure, but evokes a greater appreciation for the human infrastructure, especially the firefighters and emergency services personnel that respond to save lives, repair communities, and prepare for the next critical situation,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst). “I cannot recall the last time I rose at three in the morning to help a stranger, yet these men and women leave their homes and their families to protect and save our homes and families – at all hours of the day and night and despite all levels of risk.”
“I am proud to be able to honor Michael DeGregorio of my District, a former Chief of the Lindenhurst Fire Department — who served as Chief of Department from 2015-2017 and again from 2021-2023, and who also proudly retired from the City of New York Police Department. His quick-thinking and heroic actions saved a student’s life after an altercation last year resulted in life-threatening knife wounds. He is but one example of why we recognize how these honorees make Suffolk County a better place to live,” said McCaffrey.
The honorees by legislative district included:
- 1st Legislative District — Mark Donnelly of Wading River
- 2nd Legislative District — Alan Burke of Montauk
- 3rd Legislative District — Vincent Zarcone of Mastic
- 4th Legislative District — Kenneth “Tyler” VanGorden of Selden
- 5th Legislative District — Rich Leute of Setauket
- 6th Legislative District — Matthew Gropper of Middle Island
- 7th Legislative District — Michael R. Barry of Medford
- 8th Legislative District — Raymond Audett of Bohemia
- 9th Legislative District — William Menendez of Brentwood
- 10th Legislative District — Gerald “Gerry” O’Mara of Ronkonkoma
- 11th Legislative District — John McAuley of West Islip
- 12th Legislative District — Nesconset Fire Department
- 13th Legislative District — Kings Park Fire Department
- 14th Legislative District — Michael DeGregorio of Lindenhurst
- 15th Legislative District — Evins Delusme of Wyandanch
- 16th Legislative District — Todd Cohen of Dix Hills
- 17th Legislative District — Brian Thomas of Deer Park
- 18th Legislative District — Shane McC0y of Northport