On June 1st, 2024 the Vista Fire Department held their Annual Inspection Dinner at the Vista Firehouse on Smith Ridge Road in South Salem, New York.

At the 2024 Vista FD Annual Inspection Dinner, the VFD awarded Ex-Chief Jim Hackett as their 2023-2024 Firefighter of the Year, District Manager Tom Ritchey as their 2023-2024 EMT of the Year and EMT Grant Vialardi as their 2023-2024 Rookie of the Year.

Ex-Chief Jim Hackett joined the Vista Fire Department in December 1978 and has served as a Chief, Line Officer, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician throughout his time with us. Ex-Chief Hackett was the #4 responder in 2023 responding to 162 out of 362 calls and currently serves as our Department Safety Officer. Ex-Chief Hackett previously won the Firefighter of the Year award in 1999-2000 and showcases the dedication it takes to receive the Firefighter of the Year award in the Vista Fire Department.

District Manager Tom Ritchey joined the Vista Fire Department in April 1980 and has been certified as an EMT for over 30+ years. District Manager Ritchey was the #10 responder in 2023 responding to 111 out of 362 calls and currently serves as the Vista Fire District #1's District Manager. District Manager Ritchey showcases the dedication it takes to receive the EMT of the Year award in the Vista Fire Department.

EMT Grant Vialardi joined the Vista Fire Department in October 2022 and has been certified as an EMT since 2022. EMT Vialardi was the #9 drill attendee in 2023 attending 25 out of 37 drills and is cleared as an Ambulance driver in the Vista Fire Department. EMT Vialardi showcases the dedication it takes to receive the Rookie of the Year award in the Vista Fire Department.

The Vista Volunteer Fire Department would like to congratulate all of their award winners from the 2024 Annual Dinner!