Clearwater firefighter befriends wheelchair-bound boy, surprises him with fire truck visit

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A 10-year-old boy relearning to walk has found inspiration in a Clearwater firefighter undergoing physical therapy.

Lt. Doug Kellin of Clearwater Fire & Rescue recently befriended Dylan Heffernan at a physical therapy facility they both attended. 

Dylan, who has a severe arthritic condition and orthopedic issues, peppered Lt. Kellin with questions about his job while watching him work out in his firefighter gear. 

On Thursday, Lt. Kellin decided to surprise Dylan with a visit from the crew of Engine 48. He beamed when the team stopped by CORA Physical Therapy. 

They gave him a hat and a fire helmet, showed him Engine 48, and let him sit in the front passenger seat and try out some of the gadgets. 

READ Ohio teen with spinal cancer earns title of honorary Marine: 'Amazing young man'

"It definitely brightened his day," said his mother, Bonnie Capen. "He can’t stop talking about it. He was really excited."

Courtesy: Clearwater Fire Rescue

Capen was surprised by how quickly Dylan wheeled around the apparatus to learn all about it.

"I didn’t know the kid could push that fast," she said. "I was like ‘Wow.’ You can go that fast if you really want to."

Dylan told the lieutenant he hopes to convert his wheelchair into a fire truck.