With support from Pittsburgh and Clairton officials, injured Clairton police officer James Kuzak Jr. received proclamations Friday as Pittsburgh Protector of the Year.
Kuzak was named Pittsburgh Protector of the Year in November, with the prize a grand Thanksgiving feast for up to 20 friends and family. Rather than accepting his gift, Kuzak chose to pay it forward to homeless veterans served by the Shepherd's Heart Veterans Shelter in Pittsburgh's Uptown neighborhood.
“My family already had plans for our Thanksgiving dinner, and we wanted to pass it on to someone who wouldn't have an opportunity to take part in something like that,” Kuzak said. “We found out about Shepherd's Heart and realized that's where we had seen a lot of activity during my time in Mercy Hospital. It's a wonderful cause, and a lot of the residents end up getting their lives together and working there to help others.”
Leaders of the Pittsburgh Protectors nonprofit said Kuzak's selfless act of passing his award on to others proves they chose a compassionate man to recognize.
Albert Anthony Real Estate, based in the Point Breeze and Squirrel Hill sections of Pittsburgh, developed the Pittsburgh Protectors initiative in recent years as a way to give back to first responders who came to the aid of co-owners Phil and Colleen Anthony when their son Nolan suffered seizures.
“This is a heartfelt cause to us,” Phil Anthony said. “With my son's health problems, the paramedics, police and firefighters have all been to our house to give us the peace of mind we needed.”
Albert Anthony staff, clients and friends have gotten behind Pittsburgh Protectors, allowing the company to give discounts to emergency service personnel and offer other kind gestures.
“It's taken on a whole new life,” Anthony said. “It's really coming together this year with our first Pittsburgh Protector of the Year award, and we plan on continuing this for years to come.”
Noting that every first responder has a unique story to tell, Anthony said Pittsburgh Protectors supporters found Kuzak's to be the most compelling. Of eight nominees — five police officers and three firefighters — Kuzak earned the most votes by a landslide.
“His story blew everyone away,” Anthony said. “A lot of people knew about Jim, but for others, this was the first they'd heard of him. We're proud to help get stories like his out in the public.”
Kuzak, who had more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement in Peters Township, Homestead and Clairton, was shot five times while responding to a home invasion along Miller Avenue in Clairton in April 2011. He was struck twice in the bulletproof vest, once in the forearm, once in the side and once just above the vest. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Kuzak shared his story earlier this year with the release of the movie “Heroes Behind the Badge: Sacrifice & Survival.” He has received multiple honors since his injury from agencies including the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the American Red Cross and Amen Corner.
Friday's honor was just as special for Kuzak as any other, he said.
“This never gets old for me,” he said. “This is part of what I do now, and I'm proud to be a part of the city of Clairton and the city of Pittsburgh.”
Pittsburgh Councilman Corey O'Connor said he's happy to extend congratulations to Kuzak, even though he doesn't represent Pittsburgh's police department.
“As a city, we wanted to honor him on behalf of all of the officers who put their lives on the line for us,” O'Connor said.
Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi said it's an honor to join Pittsburgh officials and a city business in recognizing Kuzak.
“I idolize him for his strength and pride in his job,” Lattanzi said. “In light of everything that has happened, he's always stayed positive. I admire that.”
Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161 ext. 1956 or [email protected].