A Hero’s Welcome
The ambulance doors opened and hundreds of friends, family members and supporters cheered to
welcome Chris Doyle back into the community. The welcome seemed a bit overwhelming for the shy 22 year-old Port St. Lucie
resident who lost his lower left leg when the ambulance in which the EMT was riding was hit by an SUV a few weeks ago. After
greeting a few friends and answering a few questions for television reporters, Doyle had one simple request – a slice
of pizza.
After learning about the events
that led to such a change in the
young IRSC grad’s
situation, Scott Van Duzer of the Van
Duzer Foundation quickly organized
a benefit to help assist
Doyle and his family with
the additional expenses and
financial burden. Wednesday,
March 24th from 4 p.m. to
closing, one hundred percent
of all food and beverages sold at
Van Duzer’s Big
Apple Pizza and Pasta in Fort Pierce were
donated to Chris Doyle.
Even the staff donated their salaries
and tips for the evening.
Volunteers roamed the parking lot as
friends caught up with
co-workers and neighbors they hadn’t
seen in a while, or made
new acquaintances there to support
Doyle and his family.
Local businesses and Doyle’s co-
workers from All-County Ambulance
were on hand to share
the celebration, and members
of IRSC’s Fire Science Class
came out to support one
of their own. By the end of the
evening, $9,160 had been
raised to help Doyle, who insists
that, once finished with
additional surgeries and fitted with a
prosthesis, he will continue
to work towards helping his
community and saving lives
as an EMT/Paramedic. And, while
he was not comfortable
being in the spotlight, Doyle said he
was touched by the support
and kindness of the community.
Since its inception in
April, 2008, the Van Duzer Foundation
has donated over $175,000
to St. Lucie County families and
individuals. If you’d
like to help Chris Doyle, please contact
Scott Van Duzer at (772) 528-3467
