“Young victim thanks those involved in saving her life.”

Pictured above is eight year old Nicole Gay of Richfield Township. Those surrounding her and her family refer to as heroes. On June 12, 2001, a vehicle struck Nicole as she crossed Richfield Road just east of M-15. She sustained multiple injuries including a severe head injury that put her into a coma and put her survival in question.

According to her mother, Nicole has returned to school with her friends and is expected to make a nearly full recovery. The idea of the photograph came from Nicole’s mother. She didn’t want it to be a reminder of the horrific accident, but rather an appreciation of what it took to save her and those involved.

Nicole and her mom passed out homemade cookies at the fire department to everyone as a way of saying “Thank You.”

From left to right- Front Row: Nicole, Officer Michael Bender-Richfield Township Police, and firefighter Bradley Barrett. Back Row: Keith Putnam, Ronald March-Hansen EMS, Lynne Nickoloff, Rob Calmes-Hansen EMS, Amy Klas-Hansen EMS,  Lt. Wayne Cox-Richfield Township Police, Detective Matthew Banks-Davison City Police, Lt. David Gilbert-Davison City Police, firefighter Lloyd Wright and firefighter Frank McClain.