Chief’s Office
Chief of Department Chief
Philip Wm Grella Jr.
Chief Grella Jr. is a retired career first responder with 38+ years in the volunteer fire service who received a firefighter of the year award during his time in Sea Cliff Fire Department. Chief Grella responded to the Avianca crash in 1990, to the wildfires in 1995 and was awarded a life saving citation for helping a person out of a burning building in 2006. Chief Grella Jr. became a member in 2002, served as Captain of Engine & Hose Company No.4 in 2007-2009, Assistant Chief in 2010-15, and Chief of Department in 2016 & 2017. Chief Grella Jr. was re-elected to Assistant Chief in 2020 and currently the Chief of Department for 2024-2025.
First Assistant Chief
Justin M. Valeo
Chief Valeo comes from a family of volunteer firefighters and has dedicated his life to service as a career first responder. He joined the Department in 2004, served as Captain of Chemical Engine Company No.1 for 8 consecutive years 2012-2019, Rescue Squad Officer for 8 years 2008-2015, was awarded Fireman of the Year in 2011 and a Nassau County Gold Medal of Valor for pulling an unconscious person out of a burning residence.
Second Assistant Chief
Carlos Cardenas
Chief Cardenas has been a volunteer firefighter for 19+ years, served as Captain of Hook & Ladder Company No.1 in 2014-15, and elected to Third Assistant Chief in 2022.
Third Assistant Chief
Robert M. Sujeski
Chief R.M. Sujeski, a second-generation volunteer firefighter, brings over 23 years of experience to the Department. He served as Captain of Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 in 2004 and later as Captain of Pacific Engine & Hose Co. No.1 from 2020 to 2023. In 2024, he was elected as Assistant Chief.