John Hadjuk was born and raised in Great Neck. He grew up on a farm in the part of
town now called Kings Point. Legend has it; his father was the farmer for
whom Farmers Road is named.

The Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company formed the greatest part of his adult life. He joined the Vigilant Fire Company as a volunteer firefighter in June 3, 1935 and was a member until he died sixty years later. He was well respected and liked as a “boss”
by those who worked with and under him.

John Hadjuk came to work for the Vigilant Fire Company some time in the thirties as an engineer. After demonstrating his ability and old-fashioned work ethic, he was promoted to the position of Foreman when John O’Rourke retired.

Over the years as both John and the fire company grew, more than one new fire chief, (after just being elected to that position), heard the famous words, “Okay Chief, now let me tell you how it’s gonna be.” Visualize John with both arms fully extended in front of him, fists on the workbench, looking up over his glasses at a light fixture, shaking his head and saying one of his many “Hadjukisms”. To this day, the one for which he is most remembered and is memorialized on the wall in the shop is “I’ve seen ‘em come and I’ve seen ‘em go.” To this day, members can be heard quoting this.

After more than forty years of service to the Vigilant Fire Company, John retired in June of 1975. He left a legacy of pride and determination to which even today’s engineers aspire. Upon retiring, in a private moment shared with fellow engineers, John is remembered as saying, “You know I’d hang around a few more years if it wasn’t for this ____ asthma. You know this is a pretty good outfit.”

Just as John Hadjuk was proud of his fire department, his fire
department was proud of him. His is still missed today.