| On Thursday, September 17, 2026, members of the Vista Fire Department, South Salem Fire Department, and Westchester EMS were recognized by the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (WCVFA) during the 2026 WCVFA Convention in Ardsley with the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation for their coordinated response to the June 22nd structure fire and Mayday rescue on Elmwood Road.
During the June 22nd incident, a Mayday was transmitted after a firefighter fell from the first floor into the basement of the residence. Vista and South Salem firefighters quickly worked together to locate and remove the firefighter from the basement before the firefighter was transferred to EMS personnel for evaluation and transport to the hospital. The firefighter was later released.
The coordinated Mayday rescue operations were selected by the WCVFA Firefighter Award Committee to receive the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation.
Vista Fire Department members recognized as part of the award application included:
* Captain Marc Baiocco
* Lead Foreman Ryan Ruggiero
* Assistant Chief Brian Porco
* Foreman Martin Rojas
* Firefighter Dominick Mangone
* Firefighter David Fignar
* Lieutenant Elly Hersam
* Foreman Daniel Hochman
* Probationary Firefighter Jared Richardson
* Foreman Grant Vialardi
* Firefighter/EMT Andrew Korman
* Firefighter/EMT Ashtin Rama
The recognition also included South Salem Fire Department Chief Matt Yorke, Assistant Chief Mike Davison, Lieutenant Anthony Mendola, Lieutenant Scott Schoenberg, Firefighter John Winter, Firefighter Anthony Carelli, Firefighter Trevor Caviola, Ex-Chief Mike DeVito, Ex-Chief Tom Beck, and Ex-Chief Mike Lombardi, along with Westchester EMS Paramedic Abigail Mascia.
The Vista Volunteer Fire Department congratulates everyone recognized with the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation and extends our appreciation to the South Salem Fire Department and Westchester EMS for their teamwork and professionalism during this serious firefighter emergency.
Incidents such as this reinforce the importance of regular training, strong mutual aid partnerships, and the ability of multiple agencies to work together when one of our own is in need.
The Vista Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves the Vista Fire District and surrounding communities through fire protection, emergency medical response, rescue services, and mutual aid. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the Department remains committed to training, preparedness, public service, and working collaboratively with neighboring emergency service agencies. |
