Crime & Safety
Makarius Jr. Earns Setauket Fire Commish Seat
James Makarius Jr. defeats Lawrence Germano in fire district election.
James Makarius Jr. was elected to the Board of Setauket Fire District Commissioners on Tuesday night.
Makarius earned 171 votes in Tuesday's election, defeating Lawrence Germano III, who earned 86 votes.
"I'm glad things went my way," Makarius said on Tuesday night. "I'm very happy elected, and thank the general public for turning out in the election."
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Makarius Jr., who works in the fire safety division at Stony Brook University, said he has a total of 19 years of firefighting experience with the Port Jefferson Fire Department, and has resided within the Setauket Fire District for 25 years.
He is a past chief for two years with eight additional years working in the chief's office, all dating back to 2004. He said he was inspired to join the fire department based on his father's 28 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter.
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According to Will Pollina, chairman of the Board of the Setauket Fire District Commissioners, said another four votes were tallied for ex-commissioner Rich Leute, who decided not to run for re-election. Another five ballots, Pollina said, voted for both Germano and Makarius.
Makarius joins Pollina, Thomas Gallagher, Paul DiBiase, and Kevin Yoos on the board.
Christine Sampson contributed to this report.
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