Beloved Ex-Captain At Riverhead Fire Department Honored For 50 Years Of Service: 'Remarkable Milestone'

"Thank you for 50 years of unwavering dedication to the Riverhead Fire Department and the community we serve."

By Lisa Finn, Patch Staff

Jul 21, 2026 2:50 pm EDT | Updated Jul 21, 2026 2:51 pm EDT

Robert "Bobby" Szczepanik and his family at a ceremony last week marking 50 years of service. (Courtesy Suzanne McLoughlin and Riverhead Fire Department)

RIVERHEAD, NY — A beloved ex-Captain was honored last week by the Riverhead Fire Department for 50 dedicated years of service.

According to the Riverhead Fire Department, Ex-Captain Robert "Bobby" Szczepanik was honored on July 14, with fire department members, his friends, family, and local officials gathered.

Szcepanik, a member of of Red Bird Hook & Ladder Company #1, was thanked for "50 years of dedicated volunteer service," the Riverhead Fire Department added. "Bobby joined the department on June 21, 1975, and has served as company captain and department safety officer. He was also named Firefighter of the Year three times and was the department’s top responder 16 times."

The Riverhead Fire Department also extended its "sincere appreciation to Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman and Chief Fire Marshal Scott Davonski; Firefighters Association of the State of New York President Eugene Perry; Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Association board members William Mullane and Donald Bracciodieta; Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin; Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski; Gabriella Uolla on behalf of State Senator Anthony Palumbo; and Jacob Velasquez on behalf of Assembly Member Jodi Giglio for attending and helping us recognize Bobby’s remarkable service."

The Riverhead Fire Department also thanked Szczepanik's family for joining for the celebration. "Thank you for 50 years of unwavering dedication to the Riverhead Fire Department and the community we serve," officials said.

Szczepanik was also honored by Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, as well as many local fire associations and elected officials for his contributions to the fire service.

"Since joining the department in 1975, Robert has served his community with unwavering dedication, holding several leadership positions throughout his career, including 2nd Lieutenant (1978–1980), 1st Lieutenant (1980–1982), and Captain (1982–1984). Congratulations, Ex-Captain Szczepanik, on this remarkable milestone. Thank you for 50 years of service!" Suffolk County FRES said.