2025 SCVOA AWARDS
Each year at SCVOA’s annual Legislative Dinner & Awards Night, the Executive Board honors outstanding individuals who have contributed significantly to village life in Suffolk County. Here are our 2025 award recipients:

SCVOA PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD
This special award was given to the outgoing president of SCVOA, Hon. Dennis Siry, with deepest appreciation for his vision, leadership, and commitment to the villages of Suffolk County.
Dennis Siry has been involved in village government for more than 25 years. He has been mayor of the Village of Amityville since 2017 and was elected as a trustee in 2011. Dennis served as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1998-2011 and from 2005-2011, he served as Chairman of the Zoning Board. He was also a member of the Amityville Code Revision Committee. Currently, Dennis is president of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association and has served on the Executive Board for many years. Read Full Bio

SCVOA PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Each year SCVOA honors an Associate Member who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the villages of Suffolk County and to SCVOA by serving as a valuable resource and committed advocate. This year’s Partnership Award went to David Altman from Brown Altman.
Dave has been a SCVOA supporter and advocate for years, most notably as an expert speaker on zoning and planning issues at many Municipal Training workshops. He is a founding partner of Brown Altman, specializing in real estate law, commercial litigation, and environmental law. With extensive experience in land use and zoning, municipal law, commercial and residential transactional real estate, and corporate practice, he provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad spectrum of matters. Read Full Bio

SCVOA OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
For the Outstanding Leadership Award, the Executive Board honors an individual who has been a friend and strong advocate of SCVOA and the villages of Suffolk County. This year’s Outstanding Leadership Award went to New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.
Anthony H. Palumbo represents the 1st Senate District, which includes the northern portion of the Town of Brookhaven, and the Towns of Riverhead, Southold, East Hampton, Southampton and Shelter Island. Previously, Senator Palumbo served in the New York State Assembly for several years, first being elected to the 2nd Assembly District in 2013. Read Full Bio

HON. PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes a SCVOA member who has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and dedication to SCVOA and to the village he or she represents. This year’s Distinguished Service Award went to Village of Amityville Superintendent of Public Works Bruce Hopper.
Bruce S. Hopper is a lifelong resident of the Village of Amityville and deeply committed to serving the community he has always called home. His career with the Department of Public Works (DPW) began more than 35 years ago, when he was hired as a maintenance man. Through his dedication and strong work ethic, he quickly advanced within the department, earning a promotion to foreman within just a few years.
Dennis Siry has been involved in village government for more than 25 years. He has been mayor of the Village of Amityville since 2017 and was elected as a trustee in 2011. Dennis served as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1998-2011 and from 2005-2011, he served as Chairman of the Zoning Board. He was also a member of the Amityville Code Revision Committee. Currently, Dennis is president of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association and has served on the Executive Board for many years.
Mayor Siry is a retired veteran New York City firefighter with 30 years of service. As a Lieutenant, he spent the latter part of his career in the Specialized Marine Operations unit of the FDNY. In addition, Mayor Siry is a recent graduate of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy University, an organization committed to educating Long Island leaders for the benefit of all people who live and work on Long Island.
In addition to serving as mayor, Dennis is very involved in his community. Since 1997, he has coached soccer, CYO basketball and Little League baseball and served as President of the Amityville Soccer League from 2005-2011. He remains active as a community volunteer and is a member of the Amityville Lions Club.
Mayor Siry has been an Amityville resident since 1970. He has been married to his wife Nancy for 39 years and they have three grown children, Bonnie, Kelly and Dennis. Mayor Siry is the proud grandfather of two-year-old Leona Bove.
Dave has been a SCVOA supporter and advocate for years, most notably as an expert speaker on zoning and planning issues at many Municipal Training workshops. He is a founding partner of Brown Altman & Dileo, specializing in real estate law, commercial litigation, and environmental law. With extensive experience in land use and zoning, municipal law, commercial and residential transactional real estate, and corporate practice, he provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad spectrum of matters.
Throughout his career, David has represented commercial and residential real estate developers, lenders, and national and local retailers. His practice encompasses all phases of site development with particular expertise in developing sites for the retail petroleum industry and wireless telecommunications—and extends to complex litigation and transactional matters before municipalities throughout Long Island and New York City. His notable work includes:
Rezoning and developing a five-acre commercial parcel in Smithtown, New York, for national retail development.
Securing approvals for zoning changes, special permits, and variance relief for regional petroleum retailers in various Long Island communities.
Collaborating with religious organizations on Long Island to obtain the necessary zoning approvals for developing and renovating places of worship and associated infrastructure.
Drafting and negotiating commercial leases for national retailers and the food service industry, as well as for lending institutions, including a significant negotiation for a 20,000-plus square foot office and retail space for a leading commercial lender.
Representing an iconic Montauk, New York resort property in a $22 million refinance and financial package.
Assisting in the subdivision of a 24-acre industrial parcel in Calverton, New York.
Working with property owners, managers, and wireless telecommunications providers to zone, develop, and lease properties for telecommunications services across Long Island and New York City.
In addition to his practice, David is actively involved in professional and community activities. He is a member of both the New York State Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association. Demonstrating his commitment to community service, he serves as President of The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., and has developed the Real Estate Practicum at Hofstra University School of Law for second- and third-year law students. He also contributes regularly as a continuing education instructor for the Suffolk County Village Officials Association.
David earned his JD from Hofstra University School of Law and his BA from the State University of New York at Binghamton. He is admitted to practice in New York, as well as before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Bruce S. Hopper is a lifelong resident of the Village of Amityville and deeply committed to serving the community he has always called home. His career with the Department of Public Works (DPW) began more than 35 years ago, when he was hired as a maintenance man. Through his dedication and strong work ethic, he quickly advanced within the department, earning a promotion to foreman within just a few years. Bruce’s leadership and extensive experience led to his appointment as Superintendent of Public Works in June 2011, a role in which he continues to serve with distinction.
Throughout his tenure, Bruce has played a vital role in the development and upkeep of Amityville’s municipal infrastructure. He was instrumental in the construction of the village’s municipal building, ensuring that the project met the highest standards of efficiency and functionality for the community. His responsibilities extend beyond daily operations, as he manages and oversees the maintenance of roads, parks, and public facilities, ensuring the smooth operation of essential services for residents.
Bruce’s leadership has been particularly crucial in times of crisis. He spearheaded the village’s cleanup and rebuilding efforts following numerous storms, most notably Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. Under his guidance, the DPW worked tirelessly to restore public safety, clear debris, and rebuild damaged infrastructure, helping the community recover and emerge stronger in the wake of natural disasters.
Bruce remains dedicated to the well-being of the Village of Amityville and its residents. His deep-rooted connection to the village and unwavering commitment to public service make him a respected and valued leader.
Edward P. Romaine was elected Suffolk County Executive in November of 2023, the most recent chapter in a lifetime of service to the residents of Suffolk County. Prior to his election, Mr. Romaine served as Brookhaven Town Supervisor for 12 years, where he championed environmental and quality of life issues while significantly strengthening the Town’s finances.
Well-known for his fiscally conservative policies, Mr. Romaine achieved and maintained the Town’s AAA credit with Standard & Poor’s. Under his leadership, the Town complied with the New York State Property Tax Cap in each of his adopted budgets; achieved structurally balanced and sound budgets, established and increased Town-wide reserve funds; delivered four consecutive years of surpluses; and reduced $31.1 million in pipeline capital debt.
Mr. Romaine has been a strong advocate for improving the quality of life for residents. Under his administration, Brookhaven embarked on a mission to clean up every neighborhood and demolished hundreds of abandoned “zombie” houses. He introduced a package of legislation that strengthened the Town’s housing codes and aggressively prosecuted problem landlords who negatively impacted neighborhoods.
Mr. Romaine has also been a longtime champion of environmental issues. His initiatives include the completion of two solar arrays at facilities in Manorville and Holtsville generating 3.1 MW of DC power; removing more than 67 million pounds of green waste from the waste stream and converting it to garden mulch and compost; cutting Brookhaven’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020; and enacting legislation that will forever protect the Carmans River, which was unanimously approved by the Town Board and embraced by residents, environmentalists and the building community. Under Mr. Romaine’s environmental policies, Brookhaven has annually been named a Tree City USA since 2016.
Supervisor Romaine began his career as a history teacher in the Hauppauge School District, where he taught for 10 years. In 1980, he entered public service as the Town of Brookhaven’s first Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and was later appointed Director of Economic Development. As a member of the Suffolk County Legislature, serving from 1986 through 1989, Ed was known as a fiscal conservative, sponsoring cost-saving measures such as the Suffolk County Tax Cap. He established a record as a fighter for the environment by authoring Suffolk’s first Clean Water Act.
In 1989, Ed Romaine was elected Suffolk County Clerk and served in that office for 16 years, taking an active role in increasing productivity and improving access to official records. He is recognized as a pioneer in the government’s use of technology and was chosen “2001 New York State County Clerk of the Year.”
In 2005, he was again elected to the Suffolk County Legislature, representing the First Legislative District and re-elected in 2007, 2009 and 2011. As a County Legislator, he preserved countless acres of open space across eastern Brookhaven, the North Fork and Shelter Island. He sponsored numerous pieces of landmark legislation, including “Michael’s Law,” which banned explosive fuel gels; the State’s first local law to regulate helicopter traffic; and established the LIPA Oversight Commission. He also reduced the tax burden on residents by promoting smart government initiatives and real tax reform.
Ed Romaine earned a B.A. in History from Adelphi University and a master’s in history from Long Island University. He resides in Center Moriches, New York with his wife, Diane.
Anthony H. Palumbo represents the 1st Senate District, which includes the northern portion of the Town of Brookhaven, and the Towns of Riverhead, Southold, East Hampton, Southampton and Shelter Island. Previously, Senator Palumbo served in the New York State Assembly for several years, first being elected to the 2nd Assembly District in 2013.
Senator Palumbo is known as being an outspoken advocate for Suffolk County taxpayers and a strong proponent of law enforcement and the area’s first responders. As the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Code’s Committee, he has led the fight against the dangerous bail reform laws that have made our communities less safe and has been steadfast in his opposition to the anti-police rhetoric and policies coming out of Albany.
Throughout his tenure in the State Legislature, Senator Palumbo has worked closely with former State Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele to protect our natural resources and clean drinking water, and is a champion for the region’s tourism, agriculture, fishing and spirits industries.
Prior to serving in the State Legislature, Senator Palumbo worked as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted major crimes and drug traffickers. He has taken that background to Albany, where he’s fought to keep our communities safe, hold public officials accountable and enhance the quality of life that makes Suffolk County unique.
Senator Palumbo has continued to show the drive and vision families on Long Island need and deserve in state government. His very first piece of legislation was a massive tax-cut bill that would save the average Suffolk County resident over $2,500 annually. That same year, he accomplished a rare feat for a freshman GOP Assemblyman by sponsoring and passing major legislation that helped first-time homebuyers and younger residents save thousands. In his first term in the New York State Senate, Senator Palumbo passed the Peconic Bay Region Community Housing Act—bi-partisan legislation to help make the dream of homeownership on Long Island more affordable.
In addition to his proven record as a tax reformer, Anthony hasn’t shied away from tackling the tough quality of life and public safety issues Long Island families face. He was a leader of the movement to reform and repeal Common Core, supported and passed a constitutional amendment stripping corrupt politicians of a taxpayer-funded pension and supported significant investment in improving our water quality and environment. He has also made education a top priority and is a strong advocate in the battle to ensure Long Island taxpayers receive their fair share of school aid and infrastructure funding.
Currently, the Senator’s top priorities are getting our economy back on track post-pandemic so our small business can thrive and repealing the controversial bail and discovery reforms harming our residents and local law enforcement. Senator Palumbo will continue to lead and maintain his commitment to defending Suffolk County values and enhancing the quality of life on the East End. As a lifelong resident of Suffolk County, Senator Palumbo loves our communities and will continue to build on his record of protecting and serving them.
Senator Palumbo attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania on a baseball scholarship and earned a degree in Government and Law. He received his law degree from St. John’s Law School in Jamaica, New York. Anthony and his wife, Tracy, reside in New Suffolk with their two children.
Hon. Raymond Fell
President Emeritus
Mayor, Village of Bellport
Raymond Fell has been the mayor of the Incorporated Village of Bellport for the past three years, following a thirty-seven year career as an educator in the Patchogue-Medford School District. As mayor, Ray has been a strong advocate for his village. Having been a resident of Bellport for forty-three years, his efforts have focused on developing strategies to improve the village’s infrastructure, financial health, recreational resources, and community pride. He has also been vigorous in securing grants to help advance the quality of life for the residents of Bellport.
Mayor Fell’s dedication to the children in his community is palpable and has been demonstrated in the work he carried out while at Patchogue-Medford. Ray worked as a high school physical education teacher for thirteen years. He was a middle school principal for thirteen years and district superintendent for eleven.
Ray has also been an active participant in the Bellport community. He has been a member of the Bellport Country Club, as well as serving as a member and the chairperson of the community’s Golf and Tennis Commission for ten years.
Ray is happily married to his wife, Deborah, for the last forty-three years. They have a daughter, Gillian.
Hon. Ray Fell
Mayor, Village of Bellport
2018 Recipient of the
PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Hon. Sandra Schroder
Mayor, Village of Sag Harbor
2017 Recipient of the
PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Hon. Timothy Hogue
Mayor, Village of Dering Harbor
2016 Recipient of the
PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Thomas Trumpeter
Police Chief, Village of Lloyd Harbor
2022 Recipient of the
PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD