Auburn boy saved by a bike helmet shares story at VRFA Scout Night

Boy Scout Andrew Madrid knows firsthand that a bicycle helmet can save your life.

Andrew shared his story at the Valley Regional Fire Authority's third annual Scout Night at VRFA Station 33 on Wednesday.

"We are so relieved that Andrew is healing from his injuries and delighted that he is willing to help the VRFA encourage others to wear safety helmets by sharing his story," said VRFA Battalion Chief Rudy Peden.

Andrew got a chance to meet Peden and some of the firefighters who responded to his aid at the program, which attracted more than over 220 Boy Scouts, as well as scout leaders and parents.

The Valley Professional Firefighters and VRFA Administrator Eric Robertson presented Andrew with a new bicycle donated by Cycle Therapy in Kent and, of course, a new bicycle helmet. The helmet comes from the same fund that provided the one Andrew was wearing when he was hit on his bicycle.

The Valley Professional Firefighters and the VRFA cooperatively manage the helmet program. Donations by the Valley Professional Firefighters Union, the Auburn Area Fire Medic Fund and citizens fund the program.

On Scout Night, youngsters visited seven learning stations designed to assist them in increasing their overall safety knowledge and meet some of their scouting badge requirements. Scouts discovered ways to make their homes safer, practiced how to change the batteries and test smoke alarms, learned First-Aid for minor injuries, tied knots and become skilled in designing a home fire escape plan.

They also learned about disaster preparedness for individuals and families, and got a chance to see and touch the tools and equipment used by firefighters while learning more about a career in the fire service.

New this year was a bike safety station, where scouts learned basic bike maintenance skills and how to fit their helmets properly.

Custom fit bike helmets, like the one Andrew was wearing, are available. A $5 donation is appreciated, with all the funds applied to the purchase of additional helmets.

To learn more, visit www.vrfa.org.

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