Longmeadow deputy fire chief marks last shift with friends, family and reminiscence

May 31, 2023 | Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com

Deputy Fire Chief Gerald “Jay” Mascata is presented with a plaque by Chief John Dearborn.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

LONGMEADOW — Deputy Fire Chief Gerald “Jay” Mascata celebrated the last shift of his 33-year career with the Longmeadow Fire Department with family, members of the fire department and local officials.

From rookie firefighter, Mascata rose through the ranks to captain and, eventually deputy chief. Mascata said he plans to spend his retirement “relaxing and spending time with family. It’s important.”

Fire Chief John Dearborn said of Mascata, “He’ll be sorely missed. He’s been a great partner and a great leader.” Dearborn said he will be working with Town Manager Lyn Simmons to promote someone from within the department to fill the deputy chief position.

Capt. Andy Mark said, “I don’t think we fully understood what [Mascata] does for the department on a daily basis. No one has been more dedicated to making the department successful.”

State Rep. Brian Ashe said the large turnout of people at the event was a testimony to what Mascata means to the fire department and the town. Ashe presented Mascata with a citation from the state House of Representatives congratulating him on his retirement and long career.

Longmeadow Police Chief Robert Stocks said that when he began as chief, at the start of COVID-19, Mascata “always showed up and asked, ‘Chief, what do you need?’” Stocks said it “meant the world” to him.

After Dearborn presented Mascata with a plaque, the latter addressed the crowd.

“It never felt like work,” Mascata said. He thanked the fire personnel who have been there for him for the past three decades.

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