Firefighter may be paralyzed after dive in lake

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Doctors say a Lincolnton firefighter will never walk again after diving into shallow waters of Lake Norman Saturday.

The firefighter, Adam Dancoff, 21, was out on the lake with his family and friends when he dove off of the boat into shallow water. Friends say when he surfaced he said he couldn't feel his legs. Dancoff was airlifted to CMC Main where doctors performed surgery on his neck.

Since the paralyzing dive, Dancoff's family has been documenting his road to recovery on Facebook. They started a page called "Prayers & encouragement for Adam. "There, they've posted pictures of him during physical therapy and of him with fellow firefighters who've never left his side.

Within three days of breaking his neck, Dancoff has already been working to sit up in his bed. While doctors say he may never walk again, loved ones believe otherwise.

"We know the doctors are smart, but we believe in miracles, and we're going to be behind Adam, pushing him to get back here on the truck with us," said Rusty Reynolds.

Since Dancoff has been in recovery, one of his co-workers has been with him around the clock. The firefighters, who are like his brothers, have been taking turns visiting and staying with him in four-hour shifts.

Dancoff has worked with the Lincolnton Fire Department for one year and two weeks. Fire Chief Mike Lee said it's a job he's loved since he was a kid. At age 16, Dancoff was a fire explorer in Lincolnton, and at 18 he became a volunteer firefighter in South Fork, a town just south of Lincolnton.

"He's always happy to be at work and just a great all-around guy," said Reynolds.

Wednesday, firefighters say Dancoff is expected to be moved into a rehab room. They say he'll stay there for three to four weeks until he's allowed back home.

WSOC