Council Chair, Firefighter, Business Owner Deko In EHHS Hall Of Fame

EAST HAVEN, CT —Joe Deko's list of accomplishments runs deep, as shared on the 'Distinguished Graduate Award' plaque the co-owner of East Haven Memorial Funeral Home, decorated Guilford firefighter and East Haven Town Council Chair received as part of his induction into the East Haven High School Hall of Fame.

Sunday, Deko was inducted and shared the honor to Facebook:

"Yesterday I was honored to be inducted into the East Haven High School Hall of Fame. I’d like to thank Mr. Narracci, the committee, my family and extended family who came to support me- it meant the world that all of you took time out of your Sunday to come.

As I said in my speech, this award doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the community, without the community, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

"After graduating from East Haven High School in 2005, Joseph E. Deko built a life of distinguished service to his community, fellow citizens, family, and friends. At East Haven, Deko was an outstanding, engaged student and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the Italian Club, and the Student Council. During his senior year, he interned with the East Haven Fire Department (EHFD). In 2007, Deko completed his certification in Emergency Paramedicine (Yale University as sponsor hospital). In 2010, he joined the Guilford Fire Department (GFD), where he still serves as a career firefighter, EMT, Fire-Rescue Boat Captain, and Union Vice President. He earned several GFD certifications and awards, including two Unit Commendation Ribbons for lifesaving cardiac arrest saves, lifesaving actions during Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, Administration Commendation for coordinating a recruit class graduation/swearing-in ceremony, and various Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications in Emergency Operations. He was also honored with the EHFD’s T. William Webster Award for outstanding service and dedication. In 2013, Deko was named Manager of Operations for East Haven Memorial Funeral Home (EHMFH), a well-established family-owned business since 1939. In 2019, he earned an associate degree in Business/Funeral Service Management from Goodwin University, West Hartford, Connecticut. That same year, he became co-owner of Shoreline Cremation, LLC, continuing his responsibilities with EHMFH. In 2022, he became owner of EHMFH, where he’s involved in every aspect of the business, including operations. Deko is active in the Town of East Haven. He has been a member of the Town Council since 2017, currently serving Chairman. Among its many duties ensuring smooth operations, the Council enacts ordinances and maintains a $93.5 million annual budget. Per the town’s charter, Deko serves as Acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Joseph Carfora. Deko is also President of Operations for the Shoreline Trolley Museum in Branford, the oldest continuously operating trolley museum in America. The museum owns more than 100 vintage cars and operates a three-mile scenic trolley line for 10,000+ annual visitors."