Craig DeBaun re-elected as Oceanside fire commissioner

Longtime fire commissioner Craig DeBaun was re-elected for a five-year term on Dec. 13, following an election where he ran uncontested.

DeBaun, 65, is a lifelong Oceanside resident, and has been the fire department’s acting commissioner for 35 years. The position is unpaid.

The commissioner said he considers the Oceanside Fire Department the best fire service in New York State, and added that he would be seeking firefighter equipment upgrades during his next term. Though DeBaun said such improvements would be difficult in light of state spending caps, he added he may seek a bond to pay for the expenses, and is confident the community will support the department.

Dom Sabella, a resident of Oceanside for 30 years, came out with his family to vote for the commissioner, despite him running without an opponent. He said the community feels safe with DeBaun at the helm, and believes nobody in the community felt they were better suited for the position.

“When you don’t have anyone run against you, it tells me that you did a good job,” DeBaun said. He received a total of 119 votes.

DeBaun is also a member of a number of local civic organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside and Oceanside Community Service, and many others.

The commissioner said he enjoys his position and the responsibilities that come with it. “It’s been a great ride,” DeBaun said. “I love it.”