2017 Winner-Jared Pauli
Congratulations to Jared Pauli, the 2017 Pittsburgh Protector of the Year!
Mr. Pauli was nominated by Captain Tom Buckley. Jared has served as a firefighter for the city of Pittsburgh, Bureau of Fire Station #32 in Deutschtown for over 9 years. Mr. Pauli is also a trained EMT and a valued member of the City of Pittsburgh’s Hazard Materials Team(GOLD Team). He is a member of the Pittsburgh Firefighters Hockey Team, which plays several charity games per year that benefit local charities.
Mr. Pauli is member of the PBF’s Firefighter Leave Pool, which is a program that allows firefighters to donate work shifts to assist fellow firefighters who are suffering from a catastrophic illness or injury and have depleted all of his or her paid leave time. He has also coordinated and worked along with his co-workers at station #32 to cover countless shifts for several years assisting a station member who suffers from ALS. This ensured that our brother firefighter and his family did not lose their health insurance or a day’s wages. Mr. Pauli, along with his wife (Kristen Pauli) organized two Comedy Shows/Fund Raisers that were extremely successful and enjoyed by all, those proceeds ($36,000) were donated to a firefighter and his family that were in need. He is active in his community, serving as a volunteer coach for a Brighton Heights youth soccer team and as the Pack Leader for the Boy Scouts of America Post #207.
Congratulations Mr. Pauli! Pittsburgh Protectors recognizes the sacrifice that is made daily by our first responders. We support you and your families for your bravery, dedication and perseverance!
Albert Anthony Real Estate thanks everyone who participated in this year's search for the 2017 Protector of the Year! We look forward to your participation in 2018!
2016 Winner – Thomas Polito
"Tom Polito should be chosen for the 2016 protector because he is a hero to me. Tom goes above and beyond his duties as a paramedic. He is always there when needed and contributes to the community in every way possible. He attends local neighborhood sports events to make sure that in case anyone gets hurt, he's there to help. He keeps a diligent eye on our neighborhood at all times. For example in May, our puppy ran off a wall and while we were panicking, Tom jumped right in to administer CPR to try to save the pups life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done because the collar had snapped her neck, but in our despair, Tom took care of digging a grave and burying the dog for us. A few years back, while we were not home, but my son was, the house caught on fire. Tommy made every attempt to enter the house to save Anthony, even trying to extinguish the fire. Again, tragically nothing could be done but every effort by Tommy was extremely appreciated. It was not easy for him, being so close to Anthony. There is nothing that stops Tommy from going to whatever extent is needed to help people out. He is an amazing person, friend, father, and husband. He is extremely humble but truly is deserving of any accolades that should come his way."
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's search for the 2016 Protector of the Year! We look forward to your participation in 2017!
2015 Winner – Robert (Bob) Downey, Jr.
My dad, Robert (Bob) Downey Jr., has served the community for over 35 years as a Police Officer and has officially retired from the police force this past Spring. Bob started his career with the Allegheny County police, where he was a Lieutenant in the detective unit, and served on the SWAT team. Bob retired from the Allegheny County Police Department after serving the department for 28 years. Bob then went onto to serve as Chief of Police for Slippery Rock University and California University. Robert recently retired from the Police force completely this past Spring after serving as Chief of Police at Greentree Borough for nearly 3 years. Bob was not only a committed member of the Police Force, but he is very active in the community. He is on the Board of commissioner for Baldwin Township. He served as a volunteer coach for a variety of sports while working full-time. He has coached for Brookline, Resurrection, Vincentian High School, North Catholic High School, Seton-LaSalle Catholic High School, and St. Anne.
Bob has had a very successful career. He was a very loyal, dedicated, and hard working police officer. He risked his life multiple times in order to save fellow officers and members of the community. One of his biggest accomplishments was catching and arresting the Homestead and East End Rapist. His biggest save was snatching a gun out of a man’s hand, who was pulling it on fellow police officers so no one would get hurt. Bob is a wonderful role model for members of the community, and I am privileged to have him as not only my Hero, but as my father as well!
"Pittsburgh Protector of the Year", Robert Downey, Jr. Pays it Forward.
“I am appreciative and humbled by this award…”
Thank you to our Pittsburgh Protector Robert Downey, Jr. who received his plaque yesterday and donated a catered meal to the Allegheny County Police Office at the Airport. Such a generous and humble man. We at Albert Anthony Real Estate were honored to present this award to such a deserving person with so many years of serving our community.
2014 Winner – James Kuzak, Jr.
James Kuzak, Jr. was honored as the first Protector of the Year for his determination, strength, courage and perseverance as a member of the City of Clairton Police Department. Former officer Kuzak was injured in the line of duty and remains an important part of his local community as a supporter of the Allegheny County Emergency Services class.