Palm Bay Station 5 Donates Bike To Crash Victim
By Space Coast Daily // February 22, 2014
ACCIDENT CRUSHES Semaj Lynch'S BIKE
ABOVE VIDEO: Semaj Lynch and his mother met the crew from Station 5 at the local Walmart on Malabar Road where the firefighters escorted Lynch to the bicycle area and helped him pick out a brand new set of wheels along with a new helmet.
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — A 13-year-old boy struck by a vehicle while on his bicycle last week received a special gift on Thursday evening from some of the same firefighters who rescued him.
Semaj Lynch and his mother met the crew from Station 5 at the local Walmart on Malabar Road where the firefighters escorted Lynch to the bicycle area and helped him pick out a brand new set of wheels along with a new helmet.
“I’m just overwhelmed for him and happy that these guys showed him that besides what they do they still have compassion for the people, that’s what’s touching me the most,” said Deborah Lynch, the boy’s mother.
“I’m happy for him, he’s ok.”
ACCIDENT CRUSHES BIKE, TRAPS LYNCH UNDER VEHICLE
On February 12 at approximately 8:30 a.m. the boy was riding his BMX bike to Southwest Middle School.
As he approached the driveway to the Bee Back Plaza at Jupiter Blvd. and Emerson Drive, he stopped before crossing as the driver of an SUV was waiting to enter northbound Emerson Drive from the plaza.
Lynch thought the driver was waiting for him to cross and as he entered the intersection he was hit. The impact with the driver-side tires crushed the bicycle and dragged the boy approximately 7-8 feet leaving him trapped underneath the vehicle.
“He did everything right, unfortunately, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Battalion Chief Gene Harrell. “We just wanted to help him get back on his feet and get to riding again safely.”
While the Lynch managed to free himself, he suffered only minor injuries to his right leg.
“He did everything right, unfortunately, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Battalion Chief Gene Harrell.
“We just wanted to help him get back on his feet and get to riding again safely.”
The Palm Bay Professional Firefighters Community Benevolent coordinated information and schedules with the boy’s mother and purchased a new mountain bike and helmet for just under $200.
“Any time we can help give back to the community we will,” said District Chief Jim Bliss who represents the Community Benevolent.
