PALM BAY, Fla. – Palm Bay firefighters who rescued a 13-year-old biker struck by a car last week gave him a special gift on Thursday evening.
Palm Bay Fire Rescue said the firefighters who rescued Semaj Lynch gave him a new bike and helmet Thursday night at the Walmart on Malabar Road.
"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."
On Feb. 12 at 8:30 a.m. Semaj was riding his BMX bike to Southwest Middle School when he stopped before crossing Emerson Road. Fire Rescue said Semaj thought the driver was waiting for him to cross and as he rode across the intersection he was hit.
The car crushed the bicycle and dragged Semaj approximately 7-8 feet leaving him trapped underneath the vehicle. Semaj suffered 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 in a release. "We just wanted to help him get back on his feet and get to riding again safely."