On May 31st, 2025, the Vista Fire Department held its Annual Inspection Dinner at the Vista Firehouse on Smith Ridge Road in South Salem, New York.

At the event, the department proudly recognized three outstanding members for their service during the 2024–2025 year:

-- Foreman Kyla Whalen was awarded Firefighter of the Year

-- EMT Grant Vialardi was awarded EMT of the Year

-- Firefighter/EMT Candidate Pietro Cipriano was awarded Rookie of the Year

Foreman Kyla Whalen joined the Vista Fire Department in October 2019 and has served as a Foreman, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician. She previously received the Rookie of the Year award for 2020–2021. Foreman Whalen continues to exemplify leadership and commitment, earning her this year’s Firefighter of the Year honor. She recently graduated from the University of New Haven, where she became certified as a paramedic, and aspires to continue her career as a Firefighter/Paramedic.

EMT Grant Vialardi joined the department in October 2022 and became a certified Emergency Medical Technician that same year. He previously received the Rookie of the Year award for 2023–2024. In 2024, he attended 33 out of 38 department drills and responded to 177 out of 358 emergency calls, ranking #4 in drill attendance and #3 in total call responses. His dedication and reliability made him an outstanding choice for this year’s EMT of the Year award.

Firefighter/EMT Candidate Pietro Cipriano joined the department in February 2024 and has become a cleared driver for the department’s ambulances, Engine 142, and Engine 143. While actively pursuing his EMT-Basic certification, he attended 29 out of 38 department drills and responded to 150 out of 358 emergency calls, placing #8 in drill attendance and #5 in total call responses. His initiative and commitment earned him the title of Rookie of the Year.

The Vista Volunteer Fire Department congratulates all of its 2025 award recipients and thanks them for their continued dedication to the safety and service of the Vista Fire District #1 community.