Dedicated to making Central Brookhaven a better, safer place to live, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano has spent a lifetime answering the call to serve. From the front lines of fire and EMS response in Medford to leading public safety operations behind the scenes, Joe has built a record defined by steady leadership, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to the neighbors and communities he’s proud to call home.

His public service career started in 1980 when he volunteered with the Medford Fire Department, and he has been answering calls ever since. For the past 30 years, he’s served as a fire district Commissioner, having also held the positions of Fire Police Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Department Recording Secretary, Department Vice President, and Department President. He’s also served with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance for the last 42 years. As of 12/31/2025, he has retired as Medford Fire Commissioner.

Joe was a Public Safety Communication Supervisor in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the dispatchers as well as supervised radio communications and other vital functions for 27 years. Enjoying widespread support from the working men and women of his district, he was the Unit President of the Sheriff’s/Probation Civilian Unit, representing more than 200 Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees members.

The Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association named Joe “Commissioner of the Year” in 2017 and over the years, he’s held numerous other roles, including Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association Secretary and Treasurer, Brookhaven Town Fire Districts President, and Regional Director, Secretary, and Treasurer of the New York State Association of Fire Districts.

Joe is a 1978 graduate of Patchogue/Medford High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from Suffolk Community College. He is a long-time member of the Medford Civic Association and the Medford Chamber of Commerce. He was the district manager of the Riverhead Fire District and is a life member of both the Medford Fire Department and Ambulance company.

Now representing the people of central Brookhaven Township, Joe fights for safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and preserving the property tax cap while pushing Albany to curb spending. He is a proud supporter of fire services, law enforcement, and our military. Taxpayers across his district count him as an ally and know they can turn to him for assistance on governmental and community issues.

Joe was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2018 and has demonstrated his strong constituent service, community leadership, and unwavering support for all the residents, organizations, and businesses in his district.

A resident of the 3rd Assembly District for more than 50 years, Joe and his wife, Linda, have two children and two grandchildren. His district includes the communities of Bellport, Brookhaven, East Patchogue, Farmingville, Mastic Beach, Shirley, Medford, Middle Island, Holtsville, Yaphank and Ridge.