Meet Rhett
Meet Rhett, a firefighter with more than a decade of service in California’s Central Valley. Outside of work, he spends his time riding motocross and BMX, hunting, and staying active outdoors. After a motorcycle accident led to a below-the-knee amputation, his goal was clear: get back to his life and back to the firehouse.
With support from his family, the team at The AMP Group, and the Limber UniLeg, Rhett returned to full duty in less than a year.
A Life-Changing Accident
In April of last year, Rhett was riding his motorcycle to the fire station when he collided with a semi-trailer. The crash severely damaged his foot, but Rhett’s first responder instincts quickly kicked in. He called 911 himself, applied a tourniquet, and directed responders to his location.
Rhett recovering with his wife and 2 daughters; photo courtesy of Los Banos Enterprise (Kara Hernandez). View original article: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/2026/a-fire-inside-merced-firefighter-rhett-avant-returns-to-duty-after-life-changing-crash/
Doctors initially amputated his foot at the ankle. While recovering, Rhett researched his options and spoke with prosthetic specialists. They explained that a below-the-knee amputation would likely offer better long-term function and improve his chances of returning to duty.
Three days later, he chose to undergo a second surgery.
Finding the Right Team and the Right Prosthetic
As Rhett prepared for his first prosthetic, The AMP Group, led by CPO, Trevor Grimbleby, opened a clinic in Modesto. During his first visit, he saw the Limber UniLeg on display and immediately asked Trevor about it.
Rhett at his fire station with the Limber UniLeg; photo courtesy of Los Banos Enterprise (Kara Hernandez). View original article: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/2026/a-fire-inside-merced-firefighter-rhett-avant-returns-to-duty-after-life-changing-crash/
“I saw the Limber leg and thought it looked really cool,” he says.
Once his limb stabilized, Rhett was fit with the UniLeg and began using it both at home and at the firehouse. Designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain, the UniLeg quickly became part of his daily routine.
“Being able to stand in the shower again instead of sitting in a chair has been a huge quality-of-life improvement—especially at work after fires when we need to rinse off quickly.”
He also noticed the difference in weight immediately.
“It felt like I was standing on an invisible platform.”
From yard work to working on motorcycles, the UniLeg allowed Rhett to move through everyday tasks without hesitation.
“You can rinse it off, clean it, and keep going.”
Training for the Job
Rhett approached rehab with the same discipline he brings to firefighting.
“My wife and I treated rehab like a full-time job.”
He trained five days a week with Trevor at The AMP Group, focusing on walking mechanics, strength, and balance. As his confidence grew, so did the intensity of his training—progressing to full workouts that included squats, lunges, pushups, and deadlifts.
Today, Rhett deadlifts more than 400 pounds.
Back on Duty
From the beginning, Rhett’s goal was to return to the firehouse.
“At first, I didn’t know if it would be possible,” he says.
While in the hospital, he learned how few firefighters had returned to work after an amputation. He connected with one of them, who helped guide him through prosthetics and training.
Exactly 300 days after his amputation, Rhett returned to full duty.
“I’m a fireman. There’s no way I wasn’t going back.”
Rhett with his fire crew; photo courtesy of Los Banos Enterprise (Kara Hernandez). View original article: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/2026/a-fire-inside-merced-firefighter-rhett-avant-returns-to-duty-after-life-changing-crash/
Looking Ahead
Today, Rhett continues to live an active life—riding motorcycles, training, and spending time with his family. He plans to pursue a promotion to engineer and hopes to start a nonprofit supporting first responders who become amputees.
“Having someone guide you early in the process can make all the difference.”
At Limber, our goal is to improve quality of life and support independence for amputees, helping people return to the work, routines, and environments that matter most. Rhett’s story is one example of what’s possible with the right mindset, the right team, and the right tools. We are honored to be a part of Rhett’s journey.