Newark Fire Department

(pictured from left to right) 2006 Valor Award Recipient Battalion Chief Michael Nasta, Acting Fire Chief Michael Lalor and 200 Club President Arthur S. Guida.

Battalion Chief Michael Nasta
Newark Fire Department

On November 10, 2006 at 14:20 hours, Battalion Chief Michael Nasta, commander of the Newark Fire Department’s Fourth Battalion, was traveling southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike, in Newark. Suddenly, the tractor-trailer truck in front of him jack-knifed, pinning the driver under the assembly.

After the jack-knife, the truck caught fire and ignited not only the vehicle but also the driver who was injured and unable to free himself. Further investigation revealed that the front axle assembly of the truck had come off, causing the accident and fire.

Battalion Chief Nasta stopped at the accident scene, and without regard for his own safety immediately exited his vehicle to assist. At the same time New Jersey Transit Police Officer Michael Boyasa also stopped and blocked traffic with his unmarked police car. Both men found 37 year old Luis Figueroa pinned and on fire. They proceeded to move the assembly and removed the victim to a safe area.

Battalion Chief Nasta then ran to the police car and secured a portable fire extinguisher and utilized it to put out the remaining fire still on Mr. Figueroa.

Several witnesses, including two New Jersey State Troopers stated that had it not been for the quick and decisive actions of Battalion Chief Nasta, the victim would not have survived.

He is to be commended for his swift and professional actions, which resulted in saving the life of Luis Figueroa. Battalion Chief Michael Nasta acted in the finest tradition of the Newark Fire Department and is a credit to the life saving profession.

The 200 Club of Essex County proudly presented its Valor Award to Battalion Chief Michael Nasta.

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