8-year-old reunites with firefighter who saved her life

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - When 8-year-old Adrianna was badly injured in a lawn mower accident earlier this year, it was every parent’s worst nightmare. For Douglas County firefighter Ricky Powell, it was one of the toughest calls of his career.

“I was nervous — I was a wreck when I got on the scene,” Powell admitted. “And she wasn’t even scared. She’s the strongest little girl I know.”

In the chaos of that day, something unexpected happened: a bond formed between the little girl and the first responder. Together, they even came up with a secret handshake — one they still remember.

Adrianna’s face lit up the moment she spotted him.

Since then, Powell has gone far beyond the call of duty. On Adrianna’s first day back at school, he surprised her with flowers and gifts from the Douglas County Fire Department.

“Surprise!” she shouted as she ran toward him, wrapping him in a hug.

This week, the Atlanta News First Surprise Squad returned the gesture. Powell opened a box to find a $500 gift card.

“Oh my goodness… thank you so much!” he said, visibly moved.

Powell insists Adrianna deserves just as much recognition.

“Adrianna was really the true hero that day,” he said. “I couldn’t have made it through that call without her.”

For Adrianna, Powell has become more than the man who helped save her life. He’s now like a big brother and a friend she knows she can count on.

“I want her to remember that she always has people behind her,” Powell said. “Because she’s a very special little girl.”

He still gets emotional talking about her.

“Everybody who knows me knows I have a soft spot for kids. Adrianna is very special, so I definitely had to give her her flowers,” he said.

Adrianna still has those flowers, a lasting reminder that healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about connection.

From a frightening accident to an unlikely friendship, Ricky and Adrianna’s story proves that sometimes the greatest gift a hero can give is simply showing up.