Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2007 12:32:29 GMT -5
FDNY Mourns Loss Of Young Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty
Purple and black bunting was draped over the station house of Ladder 146 Friday, as firefighters across the city mourned the death of one of the company's young firefighters.
Daniel Pujdak, 23, was killed while battling a blaze in an industrial building that had been converted to residential space on Meserole Street in Williamsburg Thursday evening.
"He loved this firehouse and we loved him and he will definitely be missed,” said FDNY Ladder 146 Captain Jerry Horton.
About 60 firefighters responded to the fire, which was caused by a cigarette left unattended on a windowsill.
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said Pujdak, a Queens resident, was venting the roof of the four-story building when he fell. He was carrying about 100 pounds of equipment, including a saw to cut the roof. At some point between the ladder and the roof, Pujdak lost his footing and fell to the concrete. He died at Bellevue Hospital.
Pujdak had been with the department for just two years. His family says he died living his dream. Growing up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Pujdak worked toward becoming a firefighter. His younger brother is set to begin firefighter training later this year.
"It's such a sad and horrible day for them, but that he's still following in his brothers footsteps is wonderful," said family friend Bernadette McCormick. "It's a great tribute to his brother, and to all the firefighters that we've lost, unfortunately."
Officials say that while the fire itself was not that intense, Pujdak's death reveals the many dangers inherent in the job.
“It is a terrible loss for this family and it’s a terrible loss for this city,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “It reminds us just how dangerous firefighting is and how much we owe to the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for us.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was also struck by the news.
"His loss is a heartbreaking reminder that the daily hazards facing our city's brave firefighters are considerable, and that those who risk their lives to protect us are worthy of our highest praise and respect," he said in a statement.
Pujdak was also remembered during an FDNY promotion ceremony for 136 new recruits.
"Your hero status doesn't have to wait,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “It was conferred on you the day you raised your hand and swore to become part of this job."
“We pray especially closer to home for Daniel Pujdak who died last night in the line of duty,” said FDNY Chaplain Monsignor John Delendick. “It helps us understand more and more how important our roles are in the leadership positions in the New York City Fire Department."
Members were promoted to rank of Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. They will be assigned to various units throughout the City.
Meanwhile, Williamsburg residents say they are saddened by the loss of a firefighter who served their community.
“We were like, ‘wow, it’s one of ours?’” said area resident Carole Ramos. “Because they are like family. It’s sad to lose someone.”
“They're really nice," said another area resident Jennifer Segarra. “They always help people when they’re in trouble.”
Pujdak is the first city firefighter to die while on the job in the past ten months and the first to die this year.
He is also the 57th firefighter in the country to die while on the job this year, including nine firefighters who were killed Monday putting out a furniture store fire in Charleston, South Carolina. That fire was the nation's deadliest since 9/11.
The FDNY had just sent an honor guard of bagpipers to play at the funerals there when they got word of Pujdak’s death.
A wake for Pujdak is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Evergreen funeral home at 131 Nassau Street in Brooklyn.
His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church at 84 Herbert Street in Williamsburg.
GOD BLESS HIS SOUL AND GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
JIMMY AND JEANNIE
Purple and black bunting was draped over the station house of Ladder 146 Friday, as firefighters across the city mourned the death of one of the company's young firefighters.
Daniel Pujdak, 23, was killed while battling a blaze in an industrial building that had been converted to residential space on Meserole Street in Williamsburg Thursday evening.
"He loved this firehouse and we loved him and he will definitely be missed,” said FDNY Ladder 146 Captain Jerry Horton.
About 60 firefighters responded to the fire, which was caused by a cigarette left unattended on a windowsill.
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said Pujdak, a Queens resident, was venting the roof of the four-story building when he fell. He was carrying about 100 pounds of equipment, including a saw to cut the roof. At some point between the ladder and the roof, Pujdak lost his footing and fell to the concrete. He died at Bellevue Hospital.
Pujdak had been with the department for just two years. His family says he died living his dream. Growing up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Pujdak worked toward becoming a firefighter. His younger brother is set to begin firefighter training later this year.
"It's such a sad and horrible day for them, but that he's still following in his brothers footsteps is wonderful," said family friend Bernadette McCormick. "It's a great tribute to his brother, and to all the firefighters that we've lost, unfortunately."
Officials say that while the fire itself was not that intense, Pujdak's death reveals the many dangers inherent in the job.
“It is a terrible loss for this family and it’s a terrible loss for this city,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “It reminds us just how dangerous firefighting is and how much we owe to the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for us.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was also struck by the news.
"His loss is a heartbreaking reminder that the daily hazards facing our city's brave firefighters are considerable, and that those who risk their lives to protect us are worthy of our highest praise and respect," he said in a statement.
Pujdak was also remembered during an FDNY promotion ceremony for 136 new recruits.
"Your hero status doesn't have to wait,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “It was conferred on you the day you raised your hand and swore to become part of this job."
“We pray especially closer to home for Daniel Pujdak who died last night in the line of duty,” said FDNY Chaplain Monsignor John Delendick. “It helps us understand more and more how important our roles are in the leadership positions in the New York City Fire Department."
Members were promoted to rank of Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. They will be assigned to various units throughout the City.
Meanwhile, Williamsburg residents say they are saddened by the loss of a firefighter who served their community.
“We were like, ‘wow, it’s one of ours?’” said area resident Carole Ramos. “Because they are like family. It’s sad to lose someone.”
“They're really nice," said another area resident Jennifer Segarra. “They always help people when they’re in trouble.”
Pujdak is the first city firefighter to die while on the job in the past ten months and the first to die this year.
He is also the 57th firefighter in the country to die while on the job this year, including nine firefighters who were killed Monday putting out a furniture store fire in Charleston, South Carolina. That fire was the nation's deadliest since 9/11.
The FDNY had just sent an honor guard of bagpipers to play at the funerals there when they got word of Pujdak’s death.
A wake for Pujdak is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Evergreen funeral home at 131 Nassau Street in Brooklyn.
His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church at 84 Herbert Street in Williamsburg.
GOD BLESS HIS SOUL AND GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
JIMMY AND JEANNIE
