On June 4, NJMTA presented Paul Carmeci from Nick's Towing Service with our Highway Hero Award, during our Safety Awards and TDC Banquet. 

NJMTA loves to recognize and honor the many professional truck drivers - unsung heros - who have acted selflessly for the good of others during their workday.

Read Paul's story below:

On 3/10/23 At approximately 4:40 am, while in his personal vehicle traveling to work, Nick’s Towing Service operator Paul Carmeci saw a cloud of dirt and debris just as he came around a curve from the Route 3 West to the Route 17 North exit ramp. A tractor trailer, in front of him, started to brake heavily and pull to the shoulder of the road. Fearing there was a problem, Paul also pulled to the shoulder, donned his safety vest, and jumped out of his car to evaluate the scene. He found a silver 2001 Mazda MX-5 had indeed just careened off the roadway and rolled over onto its roof. The truck driver had dialed 911 and Paul took over the call, providing the exact location of the accident to the 911 operator. He also advised he saw movement from a person coming from the passenger window. He advised 911 he was going to assist the patron in the car and turned the phone call back over to the tractor trailer driver.

The driver of the vehicle was not wearing his seatbelt and had been thrown from the driver's seat to the passenger side of the vehicle. The window was blown out and he was cut and bleeding from his face and arms. Concerned about the safety of the man in the vehicle, Paul wrapped his arms around the man's torso and pulled him out through the passenger window bringing him to safety just moments before the convertible roof collapsed. Paul did his best to stabilize the man’s neck while awaiting EMS to arrive. The incredibly swift response from the Rutherford police, EMS, and fire department was truly unbelievable! They took over the scene at that point.

We were directed by the Rutherford Police Department to dispatch the necessary equipment needed to handle the recovery. Walter brought out our 2006 Peterbilt 35-ton heavy duty Vulcan wrecker and Jeff responded with our 2022 International MV607 carrier. The wrecker set up to upright the vehicle and winch it back to the roadway, which was approximately 60 feet into the Meadowlands marsh. We then swept all debris off the roadway and Jeff used tire skates to load and unload the vehicle on and off of our flatbed carrier. Paul remained on the scene to assist the NTS team and then drove into work to get cleaned up and prepared for his shift. What a wild way “start” the day!

Paul Carmeci is a United States Marine who served our country for 8 years and was in Iraq during Operation Freedom. He is approaching his 10th anniversary here at Nick’s Towing Service. Paul credits his military and towing experience for his quick response and not hesitating to stop and assist when he saw trouble. 

We are so proud of Paul’s efforts and are passionate about bringing to light the amazing, good deeds towers do day in and day out within the communities they serve. Please Slow Down and Move Over whenever you see flashing lights on the side of the road. It not only saves lives, but it's the law.