On Volunteer Sunday, Union Chapel celebrates the Islanders who protect us during fire emergencies. They’re deserving of honor every day.
The chapel acknowledges the Shelter Island Fire Department in an interdenominational service on July 24 at 10:30 AM. The Rev. Peter DeSanctis of Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church will preach on the topic: “Called To Be Artisans of the Revolution of Tenderness.”
Baritone Thomas Milton will sing, accompanied by Music Director Linda Betjeman.
About the Shelter Island Fire Department
SIFD Fire Commissioner Keith Clark says there are about 70 volunteers in the department. Originally, two separate fire departments served the Island. The Heights branch organized in 1895. The Center Fire District formed in 1931 to increase protection for the rural island community.
In 1995, the two departments merged to form the SIFD. The Board of Fire Commissioners is five elected Island residents — three ex-chiefs and two well-seasoned officers. Greg Sulahian is the current chair.
Fire Marshal Mike Johnson exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism at the SIFD. This year, he presented a $1,000 SIFD scholarship to five graduating seniors at the Shelter Island School graduation. What made it extraordinary and so typical of our Island was Sam the Smoke Detector puppet handed the checks to the students.
The kids recognized Sam and his fellow puppets, Frank the Firefighter, and Frank’s girlfriend, Samantha. Fire Marshall Mike has been staging puppet shows for the pre-K and Kindergarten classes for 33 years at the school during Fire Prevention Week.
He performs similarly at the Senior Center and Dinner Bell and leads the annual Halloween parade. In addition, he is secretary and deputy treasurer of the Board of Fire Commissioners and secretary and treasurer for the Fire Department.
“Being a volunteer,” he said, “is not to get self-recognition, but to give your time and talents to help others.”
About Father Peter
DeSanctis, known as Father Peter, is a familiar presence around the Island. He’s been associated with Our Lady of the Isle in various capacities since the 1970s and has been the pastor for 11 years.
A son of Peter and Gloria DeSanctis, he holds two master’s degrees. He completed basic Army training at Fort Dix; served in the 8th Medical Brigade of the US Army; trained in Walson Army Hospital, the Veterans Administration, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital.
He assisted the New York City Medical Examiner’s office and was appointed liaison to the New York Police Department. He’s also a graduate of the Suffolk County Fire Academy.
DeSanctis is an attending chaplain at Stony Brook’s Southampton and Eastern Long Island hospitals and assists at Our Lady of the Hamptons Regional Catholic School. On the Island, Father Peter is an active volunteer, working as an assistant coach for the Shelter Island School’s varsity golf team, clergy consultant for the All-Faith Youth Group, and a member of the Fire Department, American Legion, and the Lions Club.
Other features of Volunteer Sunday
Baritone Thomas Milton is a year-round resident of Shelter Island and cantor at Our Lady of the Isle. He’s been a featured soloist at Union Chapel and Shelter Island Presbyterian Church. In addition, he has performed throughout the East End, singing with the Perlman Music Program, Shelter Island Community Chorus, Choral Society of the Hamptons, and Peconic Bay Masterworks Choir.
There will be fire trucks at the chapel. A reception by STARS CAFE follows the interdenominational service.
Pick up a copy of the chapel’s commemorative book, “All Are Welcome: 150 years of Shelter Island’s Union Chapel in the Grove” by Carrie Cooperider, immediately after the service or at Finley’s Fiction.
Next week: Choir Sunday with featured speaker, The Rev. Stephen Adkison, pastor of Shelter Island Presbyterian Church. All are welcome to join the Community Choir; rehearsal is Saturday, July 30 at 9:30 AM.
JoAnn Kirkland assists the trustees of Union Chapel. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit its website, unionchapelinthegrove.org.
