A Fire Fighter’s Testimonial

My name is Bill Carroll and I am a firefighter.  A little over a year ago I was riding my Harley motorcycle down a country road when a car turned left in front of me. I forced my motorcycle to the ground in hopes of avoiding the car, but we collided and my body hit the ground and then the other car.  I tried to check on the other driver, but I could not get up.

I was taken to the hospital and the surgeon told me that the bones in my back were broken.  At that moment I realized that my career as a firefighter was probably over, but there was no time for emotion because I was taken directly to the operating room for surgery.

I had plenty of time for thought while recovering in the hospital. At first I was depressed and then I became angry. I was angry because this accident was not my fault and I am too young to be disabled.  Being a firefighter is all I ever wanted to do.  The people closest to me felt my anger and I could tell that they were uncomfortable with my behavior. I did not want anger to ruin my life. 

It was then that I decided to focus on the things I could do, instead of what I could not do.  I was alive and my family was supporting me.  I could still talk with my friends and laugh, and dream and try.  My mission in life became recovering from these injuries and I gave the therapy and treatments 110%.  The weeks went by and I started seeing improvement and I became stronger.  Soon I was walking and then I started dreaming of running and maybe some day returning to the fire department.   The muscles in my back, arms and legs were becoming stronger and within a few more months I could jog.

I placed my trust in the professionals around me.  My attorney with The Plymale Partnership took care of the legal details concerning the accident and he dealt with the other driver’s insurance company.  This allowed me to focus on what my doctors were telling me to do.  I also placed trust in God and had faith that I would receive the strength I needed to reach a higher purpose in life. Eventually, I was able to return to work light duty for the department and I am proud to say that I returned to full duty this year with the fire department.  I now look at each day as a gift and focus on all the things I can do and I dream of things I will do. 

Bill Carroll