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Army Vet, Victim Of Hit & Run Visited By Life Savers

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- An Army reservist recovering from a head injury and a shattered leg by a hit and run driver got a surprise visit in the hospital by the emergency personnel who helped save him.

Twenty-two year old army reservist Richard Parsons thought he was being wheeled into physical therapy but he had no idea what or who was waiting for him.

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There were smiles all the way around the room Friday morning from firefighters and emergency responders.

It was a much different mood from nine days ago when Parsons was left in the middle of the road seriously injured.

Just before 3:00 P.M. on January 28th, Parsons had just stepped off a bus at northwest 79th street near 32nd Avenue and was crossing the street.

"I was going to a job that I got already man. Next thing you know, I got hit, and I'm thinking my life is over," said Parsons.

Witnesses said the driver stopped for a brief moment but then took off. That driver is still on the loose.

Richard suffered a swollen head, a clot in his neck and a shattered leg.

His dream was to have a career as a firefighter.

He never made it to his new job as a valet that day. He does recall lying in the street, looking up at his idols.

"That's pretty cool. I remember when I was down, when I heard them come over. I thought man, I want to be just like ya'll," said Parsons.

Teams of emergency responders from several South Florida agencies learned of Parsons' story along with his service to our country and decided this is somebody they'd love to have working on their team and made him an honorary firefighter.

"I'm the president of the firefighter s association of Miami-Dade," said Parsons.

"On behalf of all Miami-Dade Fire Rescue as well as other departments who are here, we want to present a small token, and these are the rescuers that helped you," said Chief Arthur Holmes.

Parsons even got a potential job offer but he still needs some time before he is fully recovered and can go back to work. He said, he's extremely grateful and appreciates all the support.

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