'No little boy should go without a bike!' Firefighters surprise boy who crashed off dam
Upper McKenzie Fire and Rescue said Lt. Samantha Winnibgham organized the surprise. The firefighters pooled their money and delivered the gift during a scheduled driver training, arriving in their fire trucks. (Upper McKenzie Fire and Rescue)
BLUE RIVER, Ore. - Firefighters who helped a little boy who wrecked his bike off a 40-foot cliff at Blue River Dam - and his mother, who dove over the cliff after her son - pooled their own money to buy the 7-year-old and his younger sister new bikes and mom some flowers.
The boy was released from the hospital earlier that day with a broken arm and other injuries, firefighters said.
Upper McKenzie Fire and Rescue said Lt. Samantha Winnibgham organized the surprise.
The firefighters delivered the gift during a scheduled driver training, arriving in their fire trucks.
The new bikes come with bells - and brakes! - as well as pads and helmets for the kids. Firefighters said the boy's helmet likely saved his life.
"The firefighters were very excited about the surprise and touched to see the smiles on the faces of the children. I am so fortunate to work with such a generous, caring group of First Responders who consistently go Above and Beyond to make our community a better, safer place," Fire Chief Christiana Plews said on Facebook. "This gesture illustrates their level of commitment and compassion to strangers and their friends and neighbors alike. Sam said it best when organizing the effort, 'No little boy should go without a bike!' This story warms my heart. I am so blessed to lead these good people."
