Bridgewater UPS Hero Honored By Mayor, Council For Saving 8 People In Ida Floodwaters

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Nick Dirla, a 22-year-old UPS driver and Bridgewater hero, was honored by the township mayor and council on Monday night for saving eight people's lives during Hurricane Ida.

"This is a wonderful example of heroism and great judgment," said Councilman Michael Kirsh.

Mayor Matthew Moench commended Dirla for his actions adding that the township is "proud to have Nick here."

"Bridgewater is one of the communities that suffered fatalities in our town... And it could've been worse if it wasn't for Nick's heroism, being able to stay calm and his desire to look out for his fellow human beings. It could've been a worse day in Bridgewater," Moench said.

Moench then read a proclamation honoring Dirla for his actions on Sept. 1.

"Nick set the bar of where we should all aspire to when it comes to the service of others," according to the proclamation.

Dirla, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate who was voted class clown, had just started his new job with UPS a few months ago when Ida hit. He had gotten stuck in the floodwaters but stayed clam and was able to rescue eight people and pull them into his truck on Sept. 1. Read the full story: Bridgewater UPS Driver Saves 8 In Flooded Waters On Rt. 22: VIDEO

Dirla used his humor to keep everyone calm and guide them to safety that night.

"I am honored," said Dirla after receiving the proclamation. "From the start I never would've thought it would have grown to this."

"We are super humbled," said Dirla's dad Fred. "We are grateful he got home ... this is a lot of attention for us but it is very touching what the Mayor said.

"We are very blessed," said Dirla's mom Patty. "He was put there at the right time and right place."

Since Patch broke Dirla's story he has been asked to do numerous interviews with outlets such as NBC and more. He is working with UPS' press team to keep sharing his heroic story.

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