Fmr. Firefighter Gets Some Help From 'Vanilla Ice'

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A former firefighter and paramedic hopped into his brand new pool specially designed for him after a spinal cord injury and he had some ice too.

Vanilla Ice that is!

The 90's rap star and host of TV's Vanilla Ice project Rob Van Winkle was helping bring a smile to the faces of an entire family.

"I'm honored to be here this is a magical moment for the whole family Derek and Priscilla and the whole family and everything. This pool is amazing," said Van Winkle.

CLICK HERE To Watch Walter Makaula's Report 

Former firefighter and paramedic Derek Avilez suffered a spinal injury while skim boarding at the beach four years ago. The accident left him partially paralyzed and unable to continue his work as an emergency first responder.

On Friday, Derek continued to give back to the community by speaking out about spinal cord injury prevention. Some thought it was his turn to be on the receiving end.

"I knew what I was going to do. I was going to build a beautiful pool that they could look at with their eyes and enjoy and then get their family in," said pool builder Bobby Van Kirk. "When I was here the first night to design the pool, they already told me that I built the pool for their parents 20 years ago so they're already family."

With the help of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation which helps provide support to people with paralysis and Van Kirk & Sons Pools and spas, the Avilez family got this brand new swimming pool, designed and built in their backyard for the family to enjoy.

Derek talked about his experience when he heard the news for the first time.

"Once Bobby came over to my house and told me everything that he was going to put into the pool therapeutic Jets and the bars for stabilization for me to do squats in the deep end. I was just really amazed at how much I'll be able to move in this water," said Avilez.

There's also some fun added features to help the family enjoy the pool when the sun goes down.

"At night time, once the LED lights hit it, it turns into a disco. It is the coolest thing you've ever seen," said Avilez.