Former FDNY Chief John F. Nasta was also honored with a lifetime achievement award Wednesday at a restaurant in Brooklyn.
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Nasta served the department for more than 30 years before retiring at the rank of Battalion Chief of FDNY Battalion 40 in Brooklyn. At that time, he was the longest-serving fire officer in FDNY history.
"As a young fireman, I learned that he was a gentleman, a very knowledgeable fire officer and you always felt safe when you were with him," a former fellow firefighter said.
He took a brief leave of absence from the department during WWII when he enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to a special fire training unit. He helped train thousands of sailors on how to fight and prevent fires -- which ended up saving countless lives during the war.
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Nasta's wife of 62 years passed away in 2005, but his love for her was the talk of the party.
"He treated his wife, his bride of 62 years, like I have seen no other man treat a wife," neighbor Patty McLaughlin said.
Happy birthday, Chief Nasta!