Annual Fire and Ambulance Commissioner Elections on Tuesday

Head to the polls at your local fire department on Tuesday, Dec. 14 to participate in elections for Commissioner of Fire and Ambulance Departments.

The fire commissioners determine fire protection policies and buy equipment for the areas that they serve; ambulance commissioners oversee the spending of funds for equipment.

Here is a quick guide on when and where to vote:

Patchogue

Polls will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 15 Jennings Avenue in Patchogue.

Incumbent Fire Commissioner Mike Greco is running unopposed for a five-year term. Mike LoDolce, currently Chief of the Patchogue Fire Department, will be filling the unexpired term of Commissioner Jeff Johnson starting in January. The position will be held for a three-year term and is uncontested.

Residents will also be asked to vote on a proposition to establish a reserve account to buy protective equipment for the volunteer firefighters.

According to Chief LoDolce, any funds remaining at the end of the year will be placed into a special reserve account earmarked specifically for equipment. This would be separate from the general funds carried into the following calendar year, and will not increase taxes.

North Patchogue

Polls will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 33 Davidson Avenue in Patchogue.

No other information is available at this time.

Medford

Polls will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 171 Oregon Avenue in Medford.

Incumbent Fire Commissioner Joseph DeStefano will run against William Smith for a five-year term. Incumbent Ambulance Commissioner Maria Polak is running unopposed for another three-year term.

Gordon Heights

Polls will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 23 Hawkins Avenue in Medford.

Chelsey Ruffin, a former Commissioner for the district, will run against current Fire Commissioner Maryanne Owens. The term will run for five years.