Four of Mount Kisco’s bravest were recognized recently for helping to save lives during a devastating four-alarm fire this past summer.
Village officials honored volunteer firefighters ex-Capt. Michael Johnston, Lt. Sean Johnston, Jose Arguetta and Michael Delag-Mazzullo on Monday, Sept. 28. Gov. Kathy Hochul also recognized the four through a written proclamation.
The two Johnstons and Arguetta represented the Mutual Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 and Delag-Mazzullo, the Mount Kisco Rescue Fire Police.
The four men were in Ossining on Aug. 7 to back up Ossining firefighters so they could have a parade. They were called to the scene of a fire at the Parth Knolls Apartment Complex on Hawkes Avenue.
The call reporting a possible lightning strike came in around 6:58 p.m. after the parade had been canceled due to weather.
Mount Kisco firefighters were among the first to arrive at the scene as heavy smoke was pouring from the roof of one of the complex’s buildings, which contained 24 apartments.
The blaze ultimately required a massive mutual aid response that involved more than 30 fire and EMS agencies from three counties.
According to a proclamation read by Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, the honorees' actions that evening exemplified “the courage, professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to public service that are the hallmarks of our volunteer fire service.”
“The Village/Town of Mount Kisco is proud to recognize their willingness to answer the call and assist a neighboring community in its time of need,” it read.
The state also recognized the firefighters’ efforts.
“Thanks to your swift response and collaboration all families and individuals were successfully evacuated resulting in no injuries or loss of life,” the proclamation read.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend each and every one of you for your bravery in the face of danger. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our residents and community,” wrote Hochul, referring to the MKFD as a whole and Mutual Engine & Hose and the Rescue Fire Police in particular.
Cindrich asked Johnston if he wanted to say something.
He demurred.
“Do you want me to call Gov. Hochul and ask her to sign that tax exemption?” joked Cindrich, adding: “Thank you, and congratulations.”
(Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Oct. 17 quadrupling the state income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, from $200 to $800 for individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for married couples filing jointly. The increase takes effect in tax year 2027.)
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