In the quiet, snowy early hours of a Wisconsin morning, a local snowplow driver named David Gehrke became an unexpected hero.
While navigating the streets of West Bend at 4 am, Gehrke’s attention was drawn to a small figure on the sidewalk.
To his astonishment, it was a young boy, alone and underdressed for the freezing conditions.
Gehrke, working his early shift amidst the snow and wind, initially mistook the figure for an animal.
He told WISN News 12:
“It was snowing, blowing and miserable. I realized that it was not a dog or a deer.”
As he got closer, he could tell it was a little boy, clad only in a zip-up onesie pajama.
The sight was so out of place and concerning that Gehrke knew he had to act immediately.
The boy, later identified as 5-year-old Maddox Pierce, was in a vulnerable state, lacking essential winter clothing like shoes, a jacket, gloves, or a hat.
Gehrke, driven by a sense of responsibility, quickly turned his snowplow around to come to the boy’s aid.
Gehrke approached Maddox with care, reassuring him of his safety.
He wrapped his own jacket around the child and placed him in the warm truck, promptly calling the police for assistance.
Gehrke’s quick thinking and compassionate response were crucial in protecting Maddox from the harsh elements.
“I called police dispatch. I got the heat blasting in the truck. I’ll keep him warm until we get help on the way.”
The story about why he was outside came out.
Maddox had ventured out into the cold night, scared and thinking he was home alone.
He was trying to make his way to his grandfather’s house when Gehrke found him.
The police soon arrived and were able to safely return Maddox to his home, where his 14-year-old aunt was babysitting him while his mother, Brittany Weissenberger, was at work.
Brittany was overwhelmed with gratitude when she learned of her son’s ordeal and Gehrke’s heroic actions.
She expressed her deep thankfulness, marveling at the fortunate timing of Gehrke’s intervention.
“I’ve been a mess since everything happened. He’s never, ever done anything like that before. I’m so thankful,” she told WISN 12 News.
To ensure this type of terrifying situation never happens again, the mom purchased cameras and alarms.
The story of Gehrke’s selfless act quickly spread online, garnering him praise from people everywhere.
Comments poured in, lauding him as a caring and dedicated public servant, and expressing relief that Maddox was found safe.
One Facebook user wrote:
“Such an amazing Hero you are David! The Universe put you there at the right time because It knew you were the right Soul needed to save that boy’s life! Thank you for saving him🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”
Gehrke’s actions did not go unrecognized.
He received a call from the Public Works Director, congratulating him on his commendable deed.
Despite the accolades, Gehrke humbly refrained from considering himself a hero.
Thanks to David Gehrke’s alertness and swift response, Maddox Pierce’s story had a happy ending.
This incident serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact of kindness and the importance of community vigilance.
Watch the video below for more details on this incredible rescue story!
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