Body
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Protector Award, in its inaugural year, is given by the family-owned Albert Anthony Real Estate to honor City or County employed Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMT workers; and,
WHEREAS, the nominees for the award are chosen by the community; their stories are posted online to increase visibility of these deserving individuals and to allow for voting by the public for the winner; and,
WHEREAS, the winner of the Pittsburgh Protector Award receives a grand Thanksgiving feast for up to 20 of their family and friends, compliments of the Albert Anthony Real Estate family and approved Pittsburgh Protector supporters; and,
WHEREAS, such formidable candidates for the inaugural award include Pittsburgh Police Officers Mark Kneebone, Mike Black , Dale Canofari, Jack Mook and Firefighters Gregory Niedermyer, Joe Welsh and Matt Onyshko ; and,
WHEREAS, the inaugural Pittsburgh Protector Awardee is Patrolman Jim Kuzak, who alongside fellow officers of the Clairton Police Department answered a home invasion call in the City of Clairton on April 4, 2011. Upon arrival, Officer Kuzak was shot five times and critically wounded by two suspects as they fled the scene. Sustaining gunshot wounds to the chest, arm, and side which severely injured his lung and spine, Officer is Kuzak is recovering from his injuries.
Title
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and extend deep appreciation to all nominated Pittsburgh Protectors for their selfless commitment to the community and congratulates the Albert Anthony Real Estate family for creating this recognition; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Pittsburgh Protector of the Year Officer Jim Kuzak, who put his life on the line while serving his community, and wishes him a speedy recovery.