Supervisor Dan Panico was making rounds on April 12 as he attended the Installation of Officers dinner for both the Mastic Fire Department and the Setauket Fire Department.
The evening is used as a time to acknowledge the department’s leadership and celebrate the volunteer firefighters who dedicate their lives to protecting the community.
The Mastic Fire Department presented the 2025 Chief’s Award to Rudy Sunderman Sr., a former Chief of the department who worked in that position in 1976. The Mastic Fire Department also used its dinner to celebrate the department’s 100 years in service.
“A hundred years ago, the people in the then-little hamlet of Mastic decided they needed to establish a fire department,” said Panico. “They could have never known a century later we would stand together and recognize and honor that effort and achievement, celebrating the service of every firefighter throughout that time.”
“Congratulations and thank you to all,” added Panico. “The Mastic Fire Department has stood as a pillar of this community for generations, and it is a privilege to celebrate their legacy.”
The Town of Brookhaven also thanks the Setauket Fire Department for its continued service and devotion to keeping residents safe.
“Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending a portion of the Setauket Fire Department’s annual installation of officers at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point,” said Panico. “Their service and sacrifice is recognized and appreciated by all.”