On December 18th, the Fernandina Beach Fire Department responded to an urgent call about a bicycle collision involving a young boy, KJ, who was trapped beneath the wheel of his bike. When firefighters arrived, they found KJ’s foot tightly wedged among the spokes, making it impossible for him to free himself.
With quick thinking and precision, the team worked to carefully cut KJ’s foot loose from the mangled spokes. While they were able to free him, the process left his bike completely ruined. KJ was taken to the hospital to treat his injuries, including a painful ankle sprain. Though his condition wasn’t life-threatening, the ordeal left him shaken, especially during the festive holiday season.
The firefighters, touched by the young boy’s plight, decided they couldn’t let him end the day on such a low note. Determined to lift his spirits, they pooled their resources and purchased a brand-new bicycle and helmet for KJ. The very next day, they visited him at the hospital to deliver the surprise gift.
When they arrived, KJ was asleep, likely exhausted from the stressful day before. The firefighters gently placed the new bike by his bedside, capturing the heartwarming moment in a photograph that they later shared on the Fernandina Fire Department’s Facebook page. The image showed KJ’s mother, Joanna, smiling warmly on his behalf, visibly touched by the gesture.
Joanna shared that while KJ’s injuries would heal without lasting damage, the incident had left him a bit shaken. “This whole experience has been overwhelming, but seeing this kindness has made all the difference,” she said.
The firefighters’ actions didn’t go unnoticed by the community. Their post, which included a heartfelt holiday message, quickly gained traction. “This reminds us of what the holidays are truly about,” the fire department wrote. “Merry Christmas and happy holidays from our fire family to yours. Stay safe, Fernandina.”
