Mother says 'knights in shining armor' saved son's life

Jacksonville police officers honored for heroism in helping injured teen

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville mother called two police officers who saved the life of her 13-year-old son her “knights in shining armor.”

Officers Wayne Bell and Wade DiGiorgi were honored Thursday morning for their heroism at a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office ceremony.

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Charisse Trask and her son, Matthew Segure, were at the ceremony to thank the two officers.

Trash said Matthew was riding his bicycle in October, near the Dunn Avenue Jacksonville Sheriff's Office substation, when a freak accident happened.

Matthew fell off the bike and the handlebar broke, slicing his leg and severing his femoral artery. He lost four pints of blood.

But Bell and DiGiorgi heard Matthew’s sister screaming for help and were able to use life-saving techniques to slow his bleeding until first responders arrived.

“I just appreciate them for coming and saving me when I was in caution mode,” Matthew said. “If the officer had never come, I probably wouldn't be here today.”

Matthew had to undergo major surgery that left him with scars on both sides of his leg, but he’s back to being healthy, Trask said.

She said Bell and DiGiorgi visited Matthew in the hospital during his recovery.

“I am forever indebted to them. I feel like I am anyway. I'm just grateful for them, very grateful for them,” Trask said.

Matthew said he still rides his bike but rides much slower and is much more careful.