Suffolk County volunteer firefighters are integral to our communities’ safety. Recognizing this, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and all 18 legislators honored several local volunteer firefighters at a ceremony on Sept. 16 in the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium in the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge. Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), chair of the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee, hosted the event.

For the Fifth Legislative District, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) chose Setauket Fire Department volunteer Robert Murphy.

“During his five years as a Setauket Fire Department volunteer firefighter, Murphy has consistently demonstrated his commitment to protecting his community and surrounding areas,” Englebright said, adding that the 24-year-old is a “dependable responder and active participant in department activities and training.”

A lifelong Setauket resident, Murphy graduated from Ward Melville in 2020 and Stony Brook University in 2024 with a degree in Economics and a minor in Political Science. Currently working in government, in addition to his career and volunteer duties, Murphy also serves on the fire department’s Rapid Intervention Team, helping ensure the safety of fellow firefighters operating in emergencies.

Recently, the volunteer was among the first firefighters to arrive at a structure fire. Courageously, he immediately entered the second floor of the residence and located a room-and-contents fire. Under challenging conditions, he quickly advanced a hose line on the fire and took decisive action to bring it under control.

“That day, his actions showed his training, composure and unwavering commitment to the fire department and the community he grew up in and now serves,” Englebright said. “His readiness to face danger, sound judgment, and his dedication to protecting life and property are exemplary.”