Plaque Dedication and Street Renaming Honoring
Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak
It was a ceremony to celebrate the life of a firefighter who was the definition of a hero and loved by all who knew him.
A plaque dedication and street renaming ceremony honoring Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak of Ladder 146 was held at the quarters of Engine 229/Ladder 146 on June 22. Firefighter Pujdak made the Supreme Sacrifice while operating at an all-hands fire in Brooklyn on June 21, 2007.
"We are proud to have known Danny, honored to have worked with him and heartbroken to have lost him," said Captain Jerry Horton of Ladder 146.
He described the firefighter as "hard working, brave, polite and responsible," adding that "he always took that extra step and never was one to back down from a challenge.”
During the emotional ceremony a plaque was dedicated in Firefighter Pujdak's honor, which will be hung on the wall of the apparatus floor of his firehouse. A street sign bearing his name also was unveiled on the corner of Richardson Street and Leonard Street.
"You have lived through all of us who you have touched so deeply," said Leo Pujdak, the firefighter's father, who was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Christina, and brothers, Matthew and David, and girlfriend, Vanessa Pschirrer. "Daniel gifted me, making me a better person giving me golden insights that will take a lifetime to absorb - not because he died, but because of how he lived."
Leo Pujdak thanked the members of Engine 229/Ladder 146 for nodding or waving as they passed by his family over the last year: "You did so much more with those gestures than you could imagine. You honored Daniel and comforted us."
Matthew Pujdak, who became a firefighter in August 2007, said he always carries his brother's badge with him.
"He's my hero," he said. "I carry him in my heart."
His mother added, "He was a great kid and a hard worker, who loved being a firefighter."
During the ceremony, the family played a song by Ronan Tynan (who was in attendance) entitled, Into the Fire.
"He put himself in harms way so that others might live," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "The Department, this community and this city will always remember Daniel Pujdak with gratitude and pride."
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta echoed the sentiments, saying, "The name Daniel Pujdak will take its place on this wall so that generations of firefighters will hear this story and remember this great man."
Firefighter Pujdak joined the FDNY in September 2005
"Thank you to the members of Engine 229/Ladder 146 for living up to the Department's promise that we will always be there for the Pujdak family," Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano said.
Firefighters said that they always will tell others of Firefighter Pujdak's heroism and generosity.
"Danny's image represents that of a great firefighter," said Firefighter Gene Shramm of Ladder 146. "Strength, courage and respect for the people he worked with, his community and his family."