Wisconsin boy reunites with first responders who saved his life after a tractor accident in an apple orchard

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis — A little boy injured in a tractor accident during a trip to a fall festival in Chippewa County last month met the heroes who saved him.

“You always think it won’t be as big a deal as it was heard on the radio or through headquarters. But we got there and it was everything, you know, and more than they said,” said firefighter/EMT Haley Hanson.

four weeks ago, 25 people were injured during a trip to an apple orchard in the city of Lafayette. Gabe Mier was one of them – he was flown to the hospital.

“It was terribly scary not knowing how serious his injuries were or if they were life-threatening,” said Agnie Mier, Gabe Mier’s mother. “We knew we weren’t able to take care of him and what he needed, and having someone competent and willing to take on the responsibility and help us really helped the stressful situation to cope with.”

Now Gabe Mier is back with those who helped him, picking out pumpkins and exploring the area in a reunion that first responders don’t often get to meet.

“When you see a little boy being a little boy, it could have been a lot worse,” said Fire Chief Erik Hennlich. “All calls don’t work like that. And sometimes there are traumatic calls that don’t end well. And the ones that end well, you really have to focus on that and realize that that’s the reason you’re doing the job.” “

Gabe Mier was hospitalized for days and was treated for skull fractures, a concussion and other injuries. He continues to recover and attends school part time.

“I just think he’s a superhero because – I mean – he was so strong,” Hanson said.