In the early morning hours on September 25, 2009, Nick Vacca III noticed smoke and flames coming from his neighbor's house. He alterted his father (a former volunteer firefighter) and both rushed to offer assistance. A call was placed to 9-1-1, and a garden hose was used to help fight the fire until the fire department arrived.

Other neighbors became aware of the situation and also came to offer assistance, trying to gain access to the home in search of any occupants. They moved the homeowner's vehicle to safety, helped direct the firefighters down the long driveway, and ultimately Nick Vacca assisted with the rescue of the homeowner from a first-floor bedroom window.

Fire District 40 Chair, Ronnie Behnke presented Citizen Recognition awards to Nick Vacca Jr., Nick Vacca III, Brian Halloran, Patrick Halloran, and Jeremy Stendera (not pictured) at a special public meeting held on October 20, 2009.