DeStefano Honored for Lifetime of Community Service

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano was among volunteer firefighters from across Suffolk County honored for their service, with Legislator Nick Caracappa selecting the longtime Medford volunteer to represent the Fourth Legislative District.

The ceremony at the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium in Hauppauge recognized volunteers from Suffolk’s 18 legislative districts for their commitment to protecting local communities.

“Joe DeStefano has served Medford for more than four decades,” Caracappa said in presenting his selection. “He joined the Fire Department in 1980 and served 30 years as Fire District Commissioner, retiring from the position in 2025.”

Caracappa highlighted DeStefano’s extensive résumé with the Medford department, where he served as Fire Police Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Recording Secretary, Vice President and President. He is a life member of both the department and the Medford Volunteer Ambulance.

Caracappa said DeStefano spent 42 years with the ambulance company, including service as superintendent.

“As Fire Commissioner, Joe oversaw the construction of two new fire stations and the renovation of a third,” Caracappa noted. DeStefano served as president of the Brookhaven Town Fire District Officers’ Association and as regional director, secretary and treasurer of the New York State Association of Fire Districts.

Caracappa also pointed to DeStefano’s 27-year career with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked as a Public Safety Communications Supervisor overseeing dispatch operations and critical law enforcement communications.

Caracappa also noted a 2024 bill sponsored by DeStefano that designated the Medford Fire Commissioner Niel Marturiello Memorial Bridge, honoring the longtime Medford firefighter and community leader. The bridge carries Horseblock Road over the Long Island Expressway.

“His decades of service have earned Joe the nickname ‘Mr. Community First,’” Caracappa said.

DeStefano was first elected to the State Assembly in 2018 and is running for a fifth term in November.