From public safety and child-protection legislation to infrastructure improvements and constituent services, DeStefano’s record reflects his priorities in Albany and across central Brookhaven.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, a Republican representing the 3rd Assembly District, is seeking another term in Albany, bringing with him decades of experience in public safety, local government and community service.
First elected in 2018, DeStefano represents communities including Medford, Shirley, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Bellport, Yaphank, East Patchogue and surrounding areas of central Brookhaven.
Before entering the State Assembly, DeStefano built a career in public safety. Beginning as a volunteer with the Medford Fire Department in 1980, he went on to serve with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance and spent 27 years working in public-safety communications for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
He also served approximately 30 years as a fire district commissioner, retiring from that position at the end of 2025. His service earned him recognition as Suffolk County Fire District Officers’ Association Commissioner of the Year in both 2017 and 2025.
Protecting Children Through Legislation
One of DeStefano’s legislative initiatives involves extending the time available to prosecute certain sexual offenses committed against children.
Assembly Bill A.5236, introduced by DeStefano, would allow prosecution of specified offenses within 15 years after a victim turns 18.
The proposal addresses situations in which victims of childhood sexual abuse may not disclose what happened until many years later.
The legislation has not been enacted and remained in the Assembly Codes Committee following action in April 2026.
Addressing Flooding in Mastic Beach
DeStefano has also been involved in efforts to address persistent flooding and drainage problems in Mastic Beach.
In November 2025, New York State awarded a $10 million Green Resiliency Grant to the Town of Brookhaven for drainage and stormwater improvements in downtown Mastic Beach.
DeStefano had taken over coordination of recurring stakeholder meetings in 2022, bringing together local, county, state and federal representatives to address the community’s infrastructure challenges.
He credited State Senator Dean Murray and numerous government agencies, environmental organizations and community stakeholders with helping advance the project.
The funding represents a significant investment in an area where repeated flooding has affected residents, businesses and public infrastructure.
Supporting Families and Community Organizations
Community services and assistance for families have also been part of DeStefano’s district-level work.
Previous local reporting has examined his involvement with Colonial Youth & Family Services, an organization providing youth development, family assistance and community programming in the Mastic-Shirley area.
His office has also emphasized helping constituents navigate government agencies and programs, including property tax assistance, public benefits and other state-related matters.
For many residents, a state Assembly office serves not only as a legislative resource but also as a point of contact when problems involving state agencies prove difficult to resolve.
Affordability and State Spending
DeStefano has consistently identified the cost of living as a major concern for Long Island families.
He has advocated for preserving the property tax cap, controlling state spending and addressing rising expenses associated with housing, utilities, groceries and commuting.
During the 2026 legislative session, he also raised concerns about child care funding and health care affordability.
His budget positions reflect a broader emphasis on reducing financial pressure on residents while questioning whether state spending is producing sufficient benefits for taxpayers.
Public Safety Remains a Central Priority
With a background in emergency services and law enforcement communications, DeStefano has maintained a legislative focus on public safety, support for first responders and resources for law enforcement.
He has also supported youth public-safety initiatives designed to introduce young people to careers in emergency services and law enforcement.
His years of experience in fire districts, emergency medical services and public-safety communications remain a central part of his professional background.
Looking Toward Another Term
As the 2026 election approaches, DeStefano’s record presents voters with several areas to consider: his long career in community service, his role in coordinating local infrastructure initiatives, his legislative proposals and his positions on the affordability and public-safety issues facing New Yorkers.
Some initiatives, including the child-protection legislation, remain pending, while projects such as the Mastic Beach flood-mitigation effort have received funding but still require implementation.
For residents of New York’s 3rd Assembly District, the election provides an opportunity to examine both the work completed during DeStefano’s time in office and the priorities he intends to pursue in another term.