Huntington Community Mourns the Passing of Firefighter Mason Kraese
The Huntington community is reeling from the tragic death of Mason Kraese, a young firefighter and respected member of the Steamfitters Local Union 638, following an all-terrain vehicle accident on Long Island.
Kraese, who lived in South Huntington and graduated from Walt Whitman High School, was deeply embedded in his hometown. Known for his easygoing nature, humor, and steady presence, he leaves behind grieving family members, friends, and colleagues who describe him as a “light” in every room.
A Firefighter and Community Servant
The Huntington Manor Fire Department confirmed Kraese’s passing in a solemn announcement:
“It is with deep sadness the Chiefs office regrets to announce that Firefighter Mason Kraese has answered his last alarm. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kraese and Steenson families. Rest in Peace, brother—you will be missed.”
His service to the department reflects a longstanding local tradition where residents step up for community safety, often balancing demanding careers with volunteer firefighting.
Remembered for Kindness and Joy
Outside of his uniform, Kraese was remembered by friends and colleagues in heartfelt tributes. A post from Gemelli Films, where he was involved in early creative projects, described him as “sweet, kind, funny, and always smiling.”
“Mason was one of the original ‘Cainiacs,’ always bringing joy and support. He had this aura of light about him. It’s impossible to imagine he’s gone,” one tribute read.
For many in Huntington, his presence stretched beyond his professional roles—he was a friend, a son, a brother, and a trusted figure in the town’s close-knit circles.
The Wider Impact of a Local Loss
Accidents involving ATVs remain a sobering risk across New York State, particularly in suburban and rural communities where recreational riding is common. According to state safety reports, such incidents account for dozens of fatalities each year, often involving younger riders. Kraese’s death is a reminder of those dangers, sparking conversations in Huntington about outdoor safety while amplifying grief for the loss of a local role model.
An Outpouring of Support
Messages of condolence have poured in across social media, with neighbors and friends expressing heartbreak. Many addressed their words directly to Mason’s parents, Mary Beth and Phil Kraese, and his brothers Gunnar and Colton, offering prayers and support during what one friend described as “an unimaginable loss.”
Looking Ahead
The Huntington Manor Fire Department has promised to release details of Kraese’s wake and funeral arrangements in the coming days. As the community prepares to honor him, many are already rallying around his family and remembering the joy he brought to others.
For Huntington, the loss of Mason Kraese is not only the death of a firefighter—it is the absence of a young man who embodied service, friendship, and light. His memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love he left behind.
