SPRING GROVE, Pa. - Hundreds of bikers turned out to support a firefighter paralyzed in the line of duty on Sunday.
The White Rose Motorcycle Club hosted a benefit for Bobby Milligan, of Pine Grove Township, Shuylkill County. Milligan has been a firefighter for more than 30 years, and an EMT for Hershey Medical Center for the past 10.
Last year, Milligan responded to a fire scene, but on the way his car slid on slick roads. He was partially ejected.
"One of my guys from my fire company, when he got to the window I looked at him right away and said I'm paralyzed, I knew it right away," says Milligan. "So I tried to get out of the vehicle and I just couldn't move any parts of my body."
But Milligan's instincts as an EMT stayed strong that night, and every night since.
"Throughout the entire thing everyone said I was alert and telling them what to do to me, I was still giving orders apparently," says Milligan. "The biggest adjustment right now is when my pager goes off, I can't run out the door and do anything."
Friend Susan Rugh organized the benefit ride, silent auction and raffle with multiple biker clubs in York County. The benefit raised $7,500 that will go towards Milligan's medical expenses.
"Thank you just does not seem enough," says his wife, Amy Milligan. "I know he's going to walk again. I know it's not going to be 100%, but they didn't expect him to come as far as he has so we know that there's hope."
If you would like to contribute to Bobby Milligan's medical fund, you can donate at any Santander Bank branch, to the Ravine Fire Company, care of Bobby Milligan.