ELECT

Daniel
Castelhano

FOR FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

10 Years of Service.
Dedicated to Vista's Safety.

FirefighterEMTLieutenantPresidentFormer Treasurer

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Service

10 years of volunteer fire and EMS service.

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Fiscal Responsibility

Protecting community tax dollars while supporting essential operational needs.

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Readiness

Ensuring our volunteers have the modern tools, training, and facilities to respond.

WHY I'M RUNNING

Experience serving Vista.
Focused on keeping Vista safe.

I am running for Fire District Commissioner because I want to help guide the future of our fire district with practical experience from the fireground, EMS, leadership and organizational administration.

For ten years, I have served Vista as a volunteer first responder. In addition to being a Lieutenant, firefighter, and EMT, I serve as President of Vista Fire Department, Inc., having previously held the role of Treasurer.

As Commissioner, I want to help make thoughtful decisions about the district's budget, equipment, facilities and long-term needs — with the goal of keeping our volunteers prepared to serve Vista.

Why Your Vote on December 8 Matters

New York State law schedules fire district elections for the second Tuesday in December at the local firehouse. Because turnout in fire elections is historically low, just a few dozen votes often determine who manages your property tax dollars and oversees emergency infrastructure in Vista Fire District #1. Taking twenty minutes to vote on December 8 directly protects your family, your property, and your tax dollars.

MY EXPERIENCE

Leadership from more than one side of the organization.

10 Years of Service

A decade of commitment to volunteer fire and EMS service in Vista.

Lieutenant, Interior Firefighter & EMT

Operational leadership, hands-on interior firefighting, and volunteer emergency medical service experience.

President & Former Treasurer

Executive leadership and financial administration supporting Vista Fire Department, Inc.

Daniel Castelhano operating the Engine 141 pump panel — **Committed to Vista** Continuing to serve as a volunteer for the community I'm asking to represent.

Daniel Castelhano inside Engine 141 in parade dress uniform — **Community & Tradition** Proudly representing Vista Fire Department

A TRADITION OF SERVICE

Vista has always prepared for what's next.

Since 1941, Vista has relied on neighbors, like you, stepping forward to protect neighbors. The department has evolved as community needs have changed — adding EMS, communications, specialized equipment, modern apparatus and improved facilities.

That tradition is about more than preserving what came before. It is about preparing the next generation of volunteers with the resources they need to serve. There are many roles beyond firefighting and EMT to fit individual capabilities, and all are encouraged to join at vistafd.org/apply. #VistaProud

AREAS OF FOCUS

Practical priorities for a volunteer fire district.

Operational Readiness

Support planning and investment that give our volunteers the equipment, facilities and resources needed to respond.

Responsible Spending

Approach district finances, taxing authority and major purchases with care for both service needs and taxpayers.

Equipment & Facilities

Plan ahead for apparatus, ambulances, equipment, buildings and infrastructure rather than waiting for needs to become urgent.

Long-Term Planning

Look beyond the next budget cycle and prepare the district for the needs of the next generation of volunteers.

VOTER EDUCATION

Understanding Your Fire District

In New York State, fire protection is built on a vital partnership between public local government and volunteer service. Because fire district elections are held in December rather than November, many residents are unaware of how their tax dollars, emergency services, and local vote connect.

THE PUBLIC TAXING ENTITY

Vista Fire District #1

Public Governance & Fiscal Stewardship

Independent Local Government: An autonomous political subdivision under NY Town Law with independent taxing authority (94% of fire district funding statewide comes from property taxes).
Elected Oversight: Governed by a 5-member elected Board of Fire Commissioners who adopt the annual budget within the NYS 2% tax cap.
Apparatus & Facilities: Owns and maintains the firehouse, fire engines, ambulances, emergency vehicles, and life-saving equipment.
Capital Reserves: Responsible for long-term financial planning to replace costly apparatus without sudden bond debt or tax spikes.

THE VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Vista Fire Department, Inc.

Emergency Response & Community Protection

Volunteer Organization: Founded in 1941 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2002, composed of dedicated neighbor-volunteers.
Operational Command: Led by operational line officers (Chief, Assistant Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants) who direct fireground and medical scenes.
24/7/365 Response: Delivers emergency firefighting, vehicle rescue, and EMT medical response around the clock.
Drills & Readiness: Members volunteer hundreds of hours each year in rigorous training, equipment checks, and community education.

MILLIONSSaved Annually by Volunteers

The Tremendous Value of Vista's Volunteer Model

According to the Office of the State Comptroller, volunteer fire services protect the vast majority of New York State outside of cities. Relying on an all-volunteer department saves Vista and Lewisboro taxpayers millions of dollars each year compared to the cost of a full-time career department.

Every dollar Vista Fire District #1 invests in modern gear, reliable apparatus, ongoing training, and volunteer retention (like LOSAP service awards) directly preserves this volunteer foundation—protecting our community while keeping local taxes manageable.

THE COMMISSIONER ROLE

Good governance supports good operations.

Commissioners provide the funding, equipment, and policy governance—empowering our firefighters and EMTs to focus on response and safety.

My decade of operational experience gives me a clear understanding of what our first responders need, allowing me to make informed, fiscally responsible decisions while respecting the expertise of the department's operational leadership.