A Pennsylvania State Police trooper, who was seriously injured in a crash two years ago, has taken a big step toward improving his mobility.
Sgt. Bob Bemis suffered a broken spine and multiple broken bones after a car pushed his cruiser into him on March 27, 2015, according to The Evening Sun.
The trooper was on his way home when he spotted a vehicle on fire on the side of the road and pulled over. He grabbed a fire extinguisher out of his trunk and started to head over to help when an oncoming vehicle struck his cruiser, pushing it into him and throwing him into the air.
Despite his injuries, which included his feet being paralyzed, Bemis returned to work eight months after the accident. He retired from the job last month.
While he is able to move around on crutches, Bemis also relies on a wheelchair.
He wanted a wheelchair that he could handle without assistance from others. Gateway Gettysburg granted his wish by presenting him a customized wheelchair on Monday during a ceremony.
The wheelchair was donated in collaboration with Pennsylvania Wounded Warrior project, the Adams County Veterans Affairs Office and Keystone Mobility.
"It's amazing to know there are so many people out there willing to help people with disabilities," Bemis told the newspaper.
The wheelchair is easy to assemble and light enough for Bemis to get it in and out of his car without help.
He said that the wheelchair is going to help him enjoy that retirement to the fullest and spend time with his son, who enjoys walking around the Gettysburg battlefield.
