Firefighter family legacy continues with brothers as chiefs

The West Sayville Fire Department held their annual Installation Dinner on Friday, Jan. 3.

The celebration included the swearing in of incoming chief Patrick D’Onofrio, who is taking over from his brother, Brian D’Onofrio, who served as chief for the past eight years.

Patrick’s sons, First Lt. Tyler, and junior firefighter, Sean, were in attendance alongside many other members of the D’Onofrio family.

Fellow firefighters praised Brian’s tenure as “interesting” and even had whimsical gifts to commemorate milestones in his time as chief, including a toy sailboat with a broken mast to signify the 2024 boat burning at the Maritime Museum because the fire-gazing was cut short after only a few minutes.

Patrick had a gift of Post-its for Brian as the latters two young daughters, Ava and Mya, were notorious for leaving drawings and messages in Post-its all over the offices of the fire department.

Proclamations and citations were given by elected officials to honor Brian’s service as chief from congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-2), state Sen. Alexis Weik (R-10), assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-7), Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-8), and Town of Islip supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

Kelly Barnes, president of the Ex-chiefs Association, who was unable to attend, provided a speech to honor Brian.

“Brian, your leadership, commitment, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on our department and your journey as chief upholds the proud legacy of the D’Onofrio family. Your father, the late chief Harry D’Onofrio, exemplified exceptional service and left a lasting impact on the department. You have carried this legacy with honor. It is with great pride that we see the tradition continue with your brother, Patrick, stepping into the role of chief of the department,” said Barnes in a statement.

During an emotional outgoing speech, Brian wished new officers success and assured the support for the company and requisite families.

“Danielle, Ava, and Mya, I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for your love and support, whether it be constantly on the phone, emails, chats, scheduled meetings, unscheduled meetings, and most of all, chief Patrick’s favorite, the workplace group phone call. The three of you have been nothing but understanding and for that I am forever grateful,” said Brian.

“To my parents, in-laws, and my brother, at some point over the last eight years you have all been there for me, whether is was a pep talk, juggling the girls around, which allowed me to be here as much as possible, I couldn’t have done it without you… to the ex-chiefs, thank you for embracing me into the most prestigious group of firemen. I am certain that over the course of my term, I have called, messaged, spoken to every one of you for that been-there-done-that guidance. To the chiefs I served under… I was the new guy who came in ready to change the world in one day and you quickly reminded me it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”