Wakeman police officer receives award for saving girl's life

COLUMBUS — State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon presented Wakeman Police Officer Steve Pozniak with the Ohio Fire Service Citizen's Award Thursday for rescuing a young girl from an apartment fire back in January. Pozniak was off duty, working as a security guard at a Cleveland apartment complex on Jan. 26 when he heard screaming coming from a nearby townhouse. He quickly arrived on scene and discovered an 8-year-old girl leaning out of a third-story window. Without a second thought, Pozniak leapt atop his security vehicle and beckoned the child to jump. In an incredible act of trust, the girl overcame her fear and jumped, allowing Pozniak to break her fall and escape the blaze uninjured. "When you saw the situation, without hesitation or regard for your own life, you responded and saved that girl's life. You are a credit to yourself, your community and all Ohioans," said Marshal Reardon. "We're very proud of you and I know the city of Cleveland is very proud of you." Crews with the Cleveland Fire Department then arrived and ran into the burning building to rescue the girl's 2-year-old sister, whose mother and 6-year-old brother were also able to escape the fire safely. "He'd go above and beyond for anyone," said Wakeman Police Chief Tim Hunker. "I am not surprised he put himself in a position to help somebody. I am very proud of him. "We are very, very happy for him and, again, we are very proud of what he did." Marshal Reardon recognized Pozniak virtually during a brief ceremony. Joined by his family, Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo and the chief's secretary, Kristina Kosnik, Pozniak was also honored by Lt. Michael Norman of the Cleveland Fire Department, who nominated him for the award. This is the 40th year of the annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame and Fire Awards, presented each year by the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and Ohio Department of Public Safety's Division of EMS. The ceremony marked the sixth and final event hosted by the State Fire Marshal's office this year. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pozniak and this year's 11 other honorees were recognized individually at smaller, more intimate award ceremonies in their home communities or online. This award is handed out annually to members of the public who, at great personal risk to themselves, are credited with directly saving or attempting to save a life or lives during an extreme fire or other emergency rescue situation.