South Salem FD, Vista FD and WEMS Medic Receive 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation

South Salem Fire Department, Vista Fire Department and Westchester EMS Receive 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation

ARDSLEY, N.Y. — On Thursday, September 17, 2026, members of the South Salem Fire Department, Vista Fire Department and Westchester EMS were recognized during the 2026 Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (WCVFA) Convention in Ardsley with the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation for their coordinated response to the June 22 structure fire and Mayday rescue on Elmwood Road.

During the June 22 incident, a Mayday was transmitted after a firefighter fell from the first floor into the basement of the residence. Firefighters from Vista and South Salem 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.

Members recognized as part of the award application 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
• Ex-Chief Mike Lombardi

Vista Fire Department
• 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

Westchester EMS
• Paramedic Abigail Mascia

South Salem Fire Department, The Vista Fire Department and Westchester EMS congratulate all those recognized with the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation and thank the WCVFA for recognizing the coordinated efforts of the personnel involved.

The incident underscores the importance of regular training, strong mutual aid partnerships, and effective coordination among emergency service agencies during a firefighter emergency. The three agencies remain committed to preparedness, public service, and working collaboratively to protect the communities they serve.

Photo Caption:
Members and representatives of the South Salem Fire Department, Vista Fire Department and Westchester EMS following the presentation of the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award Unit Citation at the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Convention.