Boy who saved dad's life in August gets great surprise

PICKNEY, Mich. (WXYZ) - A.J. Hieber of Pickney received a big surprise on Monday. It was a gift for his heroic efforts in August that inevitably saved his father's life.

The 7 Action News team first introduced you to the 10-year-old  in August when he rode his bike to get help after his father, Adam Hieber, had a severe allergic reaction from a couple of bee stings. Adam was in dire need of medication to save his life, and A.J. tracked down his mother who was able to get back to the house to administer an EpiPen and call 911.

“I consider myself a big hero actually… well me and my bike.  So thank you Diamondback,” A.J. Hieber told 7 Action News in August.

The boy's actions caught national attention; later that week he appeared via Skype on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

But, the biggest surprise arrived on Monday from the efforts Sergeant Jeff Young at the Hamburg Fire Department who was one of the first responders to his dad’s emergency call.

Young saw the news report where the boy thanked the bicycle company.  Sergeant Young contacted Diamondback and the company decided to give A.J. Hieber his dream bike.

“That’s what we want to reinforce-- that he recognized there was a situation.  We really appreciate his efforts to help his dad,” said Sergeant Young.

Monday night, dozens of firefighters and EMS workers along with several fire trucks lined the road outside of the spunky 10-year-old’s house to surprise him.

“The only thing I can say is wow,” said A.J. Hieber.

Suddenly, the boy of so many words became the boy of a few.

“It’s not every day a whole fire department comes and gives you a Diamondback bike,” said A.J. Hieber.

A.J. Hieber also received gifts cards including one to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“I’m very proud of my son,” said Adam Hieber beaming with pride.  “I’m proud of this community for stepping up and helping my young man.”

A.J. Hieber said with all of the media attention he wants to bring awareness to allergic reactions.  He wants others to learn about possible allergies and what to do if someone has a severe reaction, because they, too, may be able to save a life one day.