Funeral Held for Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak

Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, 23, of Ladder 146 was laid to rest on June 26, after a funeral mass at St. Cecilia’s RC Parish in Brooklyn.

He made the Supreme Sacrifice while operating at an all-hands fire in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on June 21.

“He didn’t want to be a hero, he just wanted to be who he was,” said the Firefighter Pujdak’s father, Leo. “He was such a great man, such a great firefighter. We were blessed to know him.”

Thousands of firefighters, dignitaries, family members and friends lined the streets to pay their respects the firefighter.

“He made himself an instrument of peace and safety for the people of New York City and we will be forever grateful,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Firefighter Pujdak was remembered as kind, unselfish, adventurous and an eager learner.

“He was a rising star and he did us all proud,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “He was right where he wanted to be.”

Captain Jerry Horton, Jr. of Ladder 146 said, “He was a hero and he should be remembered as a hero. He was living his dream. I wish I had 25 firefighters just like him.”

Firefighter Pujdak, a resident of Fresh Meadows, Queens, was appointed to the FDNY on September 25, 2005. He is survived by his parents, Leo and Christina, and his brothers, Matthew and David.

“Danny never took life for granted,” said his girlfriend, Vanessa Pschirrer. “He loved life and wanted to make everyone happy. And he did.”

Tragic Fire
Firefighters received a call for a fire at 4:54 p.m. at 83 Meserole St.

Upon arrival, a fire was discovered in a fourth-floor apartment and was soon brought under control.

Preliminary reports indicate Firefighter Pujdak was operating on the roof of the four-story building when he fell to the ground and sustained critical injuries.

He was transported to Bellevue Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. There were no other reported injuries.

Fire marshals determined the fire was accidental and appears to have been caused by careless smoking. The investigation is continuing.