Ex- Chief Lawrence “Larry” Sesso, 40, was a lifelong resident of Sayville and a dedicated member of the Sayville Fire Department for over 23 years. Larry first came to the fire department through its cadet program, which he joined at age eight. He was a proud member of the Hook and Ladder Company and served in all capacities of the company, including company captain. However, the crowning accomplishment of his fire service career was being elected to the rank of chief and serving as chief of the Sayville Fire Department from 2009-2011, something he was so very proud of. It was only a matter of time before Chief “LG” Sesso became a popular figure, especially at the Islip Town chief’s level.

He was instrumental in forming many of the relationships shared today between departments from opposite corners of the township, and the many chiefs who called Larry their friend are a testament to the type of person he was. He was also a proud member and huge supporter of the Blue Jays Drill Team. Over the years, it was not uncommon to see Chief Larry throw on his old racing jersey to join the team for the annual town drill. Otherwise, he could be found in the stands, leading the chants for his team.

Many times after serving as a fire chief in the volunteer service, one may have a tendency to sit back and quietly disappear. This was not Larry’s style, as you always knew when he was in the room. Larry continued being active not only in emergency responses, continuing to be a top twenty responder, but also making sure his beloved fire department met the challenges of the 21st century. This included continuing to be involved with the department’s administration as a vice president and being instrumental in changing the fire officer’s structure to enhance the department’s performance.

Ex- Chief Sesso was the recipient of many unit citations on the fireground, as well as being awarded the Hook & Ladder Company “Firefighter of the Year.” Larry was also a distinguished police officer for both the New York City Police Department and the New York-New Jersey Port Authority Police for the past 18 years. Beginning in 1998, he served in the busy 75th Precinct in Brooklyn. He moved to the Port Authority police in 2002 and became a PBA delegate and advocate for all Port Authority police officers. He worked at Kennedy Airport.

A community servant, Larry was also a dedicated family man, always making time for his wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sesso, and three children, Gregory (15), Deanna (7), and Lauren (5).