A retired Newark firefighter celebrated a rare milestone birthday in Cranford on Friday.

Capt. Theodore Popovich turned 100 years old, and the Newark Fire Department threw him quite the birthday party.

Newark's current fire chief and about a dozen other firefighters did a ceremonial drive-by at Popovich's home and presented him with a plaque for over 30 years of dedication and service.

"I never dreamed I'd be this successful," Popovich said when asked to take a look back on his life.

The 100-year-old retired from the Newark Fire Department in May 1982.

"We're all together from day one until our last days," said Newark Fire Chief Del Ortiz.

Popovich also served in the army during World War II. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal during his time in the military.

"I know he did help rescue one soldier who was hit. He had carried him off the battlefield into safety and saved his life," Popovich's daughter Sue Philipot said. "He did many, many rescues. He would go into buildings and rescue children and rescue people on the hook and ladder that would go all the way up the side of the building. He was pretty fearless."