Setauket Firehouse Ribbon-Cutting Symbolizes a Community Triumph

The Setauket community gathered under bright, clear skies to celebrate a milestone in the history of the Setauket Fire Department Headquarters during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on June 23, symbolizing not only the completion of the building’s transformation, but the department’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the community.

After the Setauket Elementary School band performed the national anthem and volunteer firefighters presented the colors, Setauket Fire Department Chaplain Reverend Gregory Leonard gave the invocation. Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Jay Gardiner, then welcomed the community, remarking that “We want to share the pride with you.” He noted that the building, which is the culmination of a recent $14.9 million bond, addresses the needs of the department and maintains the historical integrity of the building built in 1935 while addressing its former limitations and safety concerns.

Commissioner Gardiner called the updated building “a visual reminder of our work” and encouraged members of the community to “step up and join us.” He noted that the now 23,000-square-foot building utilized sustainable building methods that include white roofing, an energy recovery ventilation heating/cooling system, LED lighting and solar hot water. The 200-member volunteer force also serves a daytime population of 95,000 community members and a nighttime population totaling 26,000 persons.

New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright called the renovation a “triumph” for the community and the department, and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn wholeheartedly thanked the fire department individuals who “answer the call whenever it comes.” Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romain said it was wise to invest in the building, which now makes the community “measurably safer.” Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Valerie Cartwright also remarked that the final product is “a clear example of everyone working as a community.”

Also introduced were William Engels, Thomas Hart, and William Siegel, all who have served the fire department for more than 45 years. William Engels then held the ceremonial scissors as the ribbon was cut to formerly open the new headquarters to the cheers of the community. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, visitors were invited to take a firsthand look at the inside of the firehouse.